Rio Ferdinand has raved about Arsenal midfielder Charlie Patino on BT Sport 1 (broadcast on 1/1; 11:42am).
The former Manchester United defender has said that he rates Patino highly, and believes that the Arsenal youngster is a gem.
The BT Sports pundit has added what people at Arsenal have told him about the 18-year-old midfielder.
Rio Ferdinand on Arsenal midfielder Charlie Patino
Ferdinand said, as transcribed by The Boot Room: “Go on YouTube and watch his clips. It’s a joke what you see. The talent he’s got.
“I’ve spoken to people at Arsenal and what they say about him in terms of this kid, talent-wise, he could potentially be the best of the lot that’s come out in recent years.
“Very balanced kid, but has the fundamentals in his game to really, really go to the top of the tree. I think he’ll get the opportunities here.
“When you watch him, there’s a beautiful way he plays, the balance, the rhythm. The fans will enjoy watching him.”
Gem
In our opinion, Patino is an Arsenal gem and could become a superstar for the Gunners.
Ferdinand is not the first footballing figure to rave about the English teenager.
Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has spoken highly of Patino on a number of occasions.
Patino is only 18 and has yet to make his debut in the Premier League for Arsenal.
However, the teenager has trained with manager Mikel Arteta’s first team and has played in the Carabao Cup.
Patino is a very dynamic midfielder who is able to drive the team forward and also impose himself in the middle of the park.
We can understand why Arsenal fans are so excited about Patino.
However, for now, we should stay patient.
Patino is only 18, and he has a lot of development and improvement to go through.
We should give the teenager the chance to grow and progress at his own pace and not rush him.
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