Lino Sousa joined Arsenal’s academy from West Bromwich Albion during the January transfer window, and the highly rated youngster has adapted quickly to his new surroundings.
After making his debut for Arsenal U18s as a substitute against Chelsea, Sousa was given his first start yesterday as the young Gunners took on Leicester City.
Sousa is usually deployed as a left-back but he is also capable of operating as a winger, and it was in the latter position that he started against the Foxes.
The game ended 1-1 and Sousa made a significant contribution as he won the penalty from which Khayon Edwards scored Arsenal’s goal.
Sousa will hope to quickly establish himself as a regular in the U18s and the early signs suggest that he will get plenty of opportunities in the near future.
Given his potential, the 17-year-old, who has been called up by England at youth level, could be promoted to Arsenal’s U23 squad before too long.
Sousa travelled with the U21s as the extra man for their Papa John’s Trophy defeat to Wigan Athletic, which suggests that he is already in the thoughts of coach Kevin Betsy.
If Joel Lopez and Zak Swanson go on loan next season then it could open the door for Sousa to establish himself as the first-choice left sided defender for Arsenal U23s next season.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Sousa marches on.
Sounds like another Saka in the pipeline !
That cannot be a bad thing !
Bukay-two.
Sometimes I think I should just support Arsenal u18’s. It’s all the fun stuff without the crippling disappointment. Just promise and potential. And there’s always a striker scoring 72 goals a season. But we wouldn’t have to see the bit where he goes on to play for MK Dons and Grays Athletic.
Thanks for all you do Jeorge. We need you on the Arsecast again soon to chat about how some of these lads are developing at the halfway stage in the season.
Keep the kids coming. Let’s hope Balogun can put Spuds out of the Cup – nice to have the odd Gunner in the 5th round 🥴
No news since Arsenal are out of FA cup…
MEANWHILE…maybe you did not pick up on Overmaars quitting Ajax…
An opportunity for Arsenal to replace ineffective Edu at least…
but do they have the brains and balls to do it…?
Did he quit, or was he forced out? Seems like the latter since the context of his change in employment status involved him being disciplined for, and having to publicly apologise for, harassing female employees. Considering the contemporary nature of the events, I’m not too sure that Arsenal should immediately hire him to replace Edu…
I think, if true, he shouldn’t be back in football again.
Beware of the Sousa, Tavares and Tierney.
Speaking of full backs can we sign that Spence guy from Forest? He was great against us and great against Leicester over the weekend. Could be a good back up to Tomi. He’s a real fighter and a great athlete.
Yeah he’s a player for sure.