Mikel Arteta has explained why highly-rated Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino didn’t feature last night against AFC Wimbledon.
Speaking to the press via Football London after the Gunners’ 3-0 win over the League One side, the Arsenal boss revealed that Patino needs more time before he is ready to make his first-team debut.
The 17-year-old is likely to be the next youngster to make the leap from the academy to the senior squad.
Patino is regarded as the latest jewel coming out of Hale End. The midfielder has captained multiple age groups over the years. Ad the England youth international has impressed this season for the U-23s.
Indeed, it was expected that Patino would feature yesterday in some capacity. However, Arteta explained that he believed that the midfielder is not ready just yet for the step up to senior football.
The Arsenal manager said: “He was very close, but in the end, we decided that some players needed some minutes. It will happen naturally, in time.”
“Charlie’s been good. He played a practice match at Colney and he was really good. Again, give him time and we will prepare him.”
Indeed, it appears that Arteta is taking the League Cup seriously this season. With no Europe, there are very few chances for youngsters to play regular first-team football.
However, Arteta is taking a smart approach with Patino. Whilst some fans are eager to see the midfielder, it’s easy to forget that he is just 17-years-old and also playing his first season of U-23 football. His time will come, and will likely arrive at the right moment under the Arsenal boss.
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