It has been a hugely encouraging season for Ben Cottrell, with the talented Arsenal youngster having achieved some notable feats.
The 17-year-old, who can play as a winger but is now most often deployed as an attacking midfielder, produced some excellent performances as Arsenal U18s won the southern section title.
That impressive form saw Cottrell break into the U23 squad towards the end of the campaign, indicating that he could be more prominently involved at that level next season.
Today it was revealed that the Hale End product has taken another step forward in his career by receiving a callup to the England U18 squad for a tournament in Slovakia, where he will join fellow Arsenal youngsters Arthur Okonkwo, Vontae Daley-Campbell and Tyreece John-Jules.
Bukayo Saka and Xavier Amaechi were also set to be called up but Arsenal requested for the highly regarded wingers to remain at London Colney so that they could train with the first-team ahead of the Europa League final.
Regarding Cottrell, though, this is an excellent opportunity for a player who is already very talented to progress even further.
A fine dribbler and an excellent passer, Cottrell will surely be offered a professional contract by Arsenal in the near future as they look to ensure that he remains with the club for the long term.
Cottrell still has a long way to go in his development and needs to improve physically, but his raw qualities mean that he has much in the way of potential.
Next campaign Cottrell will be aiming to impress to the extent that he trains with the first-team squad on some occasions, and continues to hit new heights in his quest to succeed.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
This is a guy who has stood out for me this sesaon. Technically very good, determined and with a real eye for goal. Fully deserving of his call up and I am sure he will continue to impress and develop next season. Looks like he has a real chance of progressing through to the 1st team