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‘Something special’: Arsenal chief says ‘quality’ talent has caught his eye

Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
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IPSWICH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 01: Salah-Eddine Oulad M'hand of Arsenal during the Papa John's trophy match between Ipswich Town and Arsenal U21 at Portman Road on December 01, 2021 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal talent spotter Yousuf Sajjad has lauded the quality and potential of U-23 midfielder Salah Oulad M’Hand, who has been exceptional at youth level this season.

Speaking to Football London, Arsenal’s Head of Emerging Talent revealed that Salah is one of the players that has impressed him the most in recent years. Sajjad was key to bringing the 18-year-old to north London last year.

Salah was part of Feyenoord’s youth system before being released, prompting Arsenal to sign the midfielder. And it has proven to be a brilliant move for both the player and the Gunners, with the youngster starring for Kevin Betsy’s U-23 side.

The north London side have been one of the best sides in Premier League 2 this season, and according to Sajjad, Salah has what it takes to go all the way with Arsenal after spotting the youngster for Holland.

The Arsenal youth chief said: “Salah is a player I had watched from his time with the Dutch national team. We knew of his quality so once he had left Feyenoord and an opportunity arose to bring him in on trial, we moved quick.

Sajjad added: “You could see straight away there was something special about him. He had an injury-hit start last season but has shown his quality in almost every game he has played this season. I don’t even believe he has reached his best yet, there is still more to come.

Salah can become latest Hale End star for Arsenal

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11: Salah Oulad M'hand of Arsenal during the Premier League Cup match between Arsenal U23 and West Bromwich Albion U23 at Meadow Park on November 11, 2021 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal’s current crop of youngsters is one of the most exciting the club have produced in some time, with Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe two of the first team’s most important players and the likes of Charlie Patino and Folarin Balogun likely to play a role next season.

And Salah could easily become another member of Mikel Arteta’s side if he progresses more this season. Moreover, the youngster has already been named in the senior matchday squad this campaign, and the teenager could easily make his professional debut in 2022.