On Sunday, Mikel Arteta chose to make Arsenal – and Premier League – history as he introduced Ethan Nwaneri against Brentford. Now, another gem in Maldini Kacurri has taken a big leap.
What’s the story?
Well, Nwaneri was introduced during the 3-0 win against Brentford at the age of just 15 years and 181 days, which made him the youngest Premier League debutant in history.
Now, his fellow Hale End prodigy Kacurri has made a breakthrough of his own.
The 16-year-old has earned his first call-up to the Arsenal Under-21 side after shining at Under-18 level, which in itself is impressive seeing as it is two years above where he should be at this stage of his career.
Clearly, Mehmet Ali, who manages the Under-21 side at Arsenal, has a lot of faith in Kacurri, as he has now drafted him into an even higher age group to put his talents to the test.
The Albanian has been handed the No.82 shirt.
Kacurri is also making progress on the international scene.
The centre-back has already won two caps for the Albania Under-17 side, and he looks set to have a very bright future under Arteta if he continues to develop at this rate.
Maldini Kacurri should excite Arsenal fans
In our view, this news – so soon after Nwaneri hit the headlines – should fill Arsenal fans with excitement.
Aside from Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah, it had been a while since the Gunners produced a truly top talent.
You would arguably have to go back to 2008, when Jack Wilshere made his debut for Arsenal, to find the last real success story to emerge from Hale End aside from the aforementioned trio, and also Serge Gnabry.
Now, it feels as if the Hale End conveyor belt is working overtime as it churns out prospect after prospect.
It must be said that is isn’t normal for youngsters to be playing several age groups above their station, so it speaks volumes that Nwaneri and Kacurri are progressing in this fashion.
Will the Albanian be next to make his Premier League debut? Only time will tell.
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