When it comes to academy graduates, Arsenal is in the midst of a golden age, with players like Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, and Bukayo Saka all succeeding in the Premier League in recent years. But as is customary, talk at Hale End will already be focused on the potential next teenage star. Arsenal might already have the next great thing in Amario Cozier-Duberry.
Cozier-Duberry has been in outstanding form for the club’s young teams. He has already established himself as one of Hale End’s top prospects. His blend of quickness, directness, and output have already identified him as a potential successor to Saka at the Emirates.
Cozier-Duberry, who will turn 18 in May, was already playing for the club’s U21s team last season. He made his appearence frequently at Premier League 2 level and showcasing his skills against players twice his age. The young superstar scored five goals and contributed four assists in 22 games during the campaign. But it is possible that he kept some of his best efforts for the FA Youth Cup.
The teenager, who was playing for the U18s under manager Jack Wilshere, was crucial in helping Arsenal’s young players reach the final for the first time since their own head coach’s playing days. It is not surprising that he made an impression on the Arsenal coaching staff by scoring five goals and assisting on another three. Regarding the exciting talent Cozier-Duberry possesses, Wilshere said
“In some moments he’s unplayable. You give him the ball and he can make things happen. You can set up a team and have a game plan, but when you’ve got individuals like that you’ve got a chance.”
Cozier-Duberry is highly regarded by the Gunners’ boss
Arsenal will be hoping Cozier-Duberry can maintain that same vigour when he steps up to the first team. The willingness to challenge players and youthful bravery set him apart from the competition. Arteta has effectively overseen the advancement and development of players like Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. The Gunners manager might already have a strategy in mind for how he wants to introduce Cozier-Duberry to first-team football. It is also more difficult to see how the teenager might get consistent minutes. The North London team is playing in the Champions League this season rather than the Europa League, where Arteta may have considered resting some of his key first-team players. However, the Carabao Cup is undoubtedly one competition where he might get a run out.
Cozier-Duberry will undoubtedly face tough competition at Arsenal. He will have to compete not just for a starting position but also for a seat on the bench. Players like Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson, and Fabio Vieira are all pushing for roster spots and have the ability to play on the wide side. Dean Jones, a journalist, did however reveal to GIVEMESPORT last season that the talented starlet is, highly regarded by the Arsenal coaching staff behind the scenes. He might soon be ready for more of a run-out with the first squad. Dean Jones said
“I’m told Arteta really rates him. He’s pretty much guaranteed a few cup run outs next season, at the very least. And if that goes well, I think he could end up being the next teen sensation that actually makes an impact on the first team.”
The young Arsenal talent has the potential to flourish at the Emirates
The current Arsenal team is in a much better flow, with confidence coursing through the blood. Arsenal have an atmosphere of excitement and competition as opposed to hopelessness and widespread apathy. It makes it much simpler for players with little experience to join and get started right away. They don’t have to worry about producing right away, which can frequently create a very challenging environment to flourish in. Cozier-Duberry would be the most recent player to gain from the culture Arteta has established at the Emirates, which encourages continuous progress. Arteta is not the only one who is in awe by seeing his talent. Mehmet Ali, the head coach of Arsenal’s U21 team, has also praised him for how intriguing he is. He said
“Amario came into the system really late. He didn’t sign for Arsenal until he was an under-15, so he was playing grassroots football for a long time. I see him as a late developer. Even though we’re pushing him in under-21s football, he’s had a great games programme of playing under-18s and being around the first team. He’s a super talent. His super-strengths are his ball-carrying and ability to take people on. He’s an exciting footballer, but (has) loads to learn.”
With Saka, Arsenal supporters saw it firsthand. Now, they will be hoping to see the same with Cozier-Duberry. The Gunners will be ready for the upcoming decade if the 18-year-old realises his potential.
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