Arsenal have been busy finalising their scholarship intake for next season and one late addition to that group is Maldini Kacurri.
A centre-back who was previously at Fulham, Kacurri is an aggressive defender who frequently makes precisely-times interceptions.
Capped by Albania at U17 level, Kacurri was in action yesterday as an Arsenal academy side took on Garuda Select.
During the first half there were a couple of occasions when the youngster was caught out but he then received an individual coaching session at half time from academy manager Per Mertesacker.
Kacurri emerged for the second half determined to produce an improved display and he did exactly that as he read the game well and helped Arsenal to secure a 4-1 victory.
The prospect (who usually plays on the right side of the centre-back pairing) is currently playing for Arsenal at U16 level but he will step up to be part of the U18 squad in the summer.
Another major positive from the game against Garuda Select was the performance of midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, who continued to enhance his growing reputation.
A 15 year old who has been playing for Arsenal U18s recently, Nwaneri scored an impressive goal yesterday as he turned superbly prior to scoring, while he also played some slick passes.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
After Tierney’s news I’d gladly take Maldini at left back.
Per, legend.
Anyone else see him at the Wolves game with the under 8’s squad? He looked like he’d be the most fun/best teacher imaginable. So pleased we have him at the club.
Would love it if he was called Dacurri lol da curri is good
Holdini and Maldini in the same squad is what dreams are made of
I mean, you name your kid Maldini. Kind of determines his destiny. (Though the third generation is a striker, I think.)