Arsenal are well known for producing quality young talent, such as Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Jack Wilshere.
Now, it seems as if the Hale End Academy has churned out another gem in the shape of Marcelo Flores, who has a huge future in the game.
What’s the story?
Well, in our view, we could be looking at the next Arsenal wonderkid to make his first-team debut.
Flores has shone this season with nine goals and three assists in 18 appearances, as he makes huge progress from last term.
In the 2020/21 campaign, the 18-year-old scored four goals and provided two assists in 17 games, so he’s clearly developing well.
In his last game – a meeting with Tottenham’s Under-23 side last night – Flores scored and provided an assist as the Gunners recorded a 2-1 win.
In particular, it was impressive to see how the teenager took the game by the scruff of the neck to ensure Arsenal came out victorious.
As documented by Football London, Flores has even received a call-up to the Mexico national team – not the Under-23 side, but the senior setup.
That alone speaks volumes about how big a prospect Arsenal have on their hands.
Marcelo Flores can be the next Emile Smith Rowe at Arsenal
There are many similarities between Flores and Smith Rowe, which suggest he could follow in the England international’s footsteps.
One of those is their versatility across the frontline. Both youngsters tend to operate either centrally behind the striker, or out on the left flank where they can cut inside on their right foot.
Away from the Emirates Stadium, Flores has been compared to one of the best players to grace football in recent times – Eden Hazard.
It was the Guardian who made the bold statement, when writing a feature on the best young talents on the planet.
Keep an eye on Flores as he develops at Hale End – Mikel Arteta seems to have another gem on his hands, among many others.
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