For some players progressing through the various age groups at Arsenal is a rather steady process.
For others, though, the step up to higher levels happens rather quicker, and Amario Cozier-Duberry certainly falls into that category.
The 17-year-old started the season playing for Arsenal’s U18 side but quickly moved up to represent the U21s, where he instantly became one of the standout players in the team.
This week Cozier-Duberry received his first senior callup as he was named on the bench for the Europa League game against Zurich, and, although he didn’t come on, it seems that there will be plenty of further first-team involvement to come for the youngster.
Signed in 2019 following a successful trial, Cozier-Duberry immediately caught the eye upon his arrival at the club with his excellent dribbling and technique. Versatility is another strength for the England youth international – he can play on either flank, as a midfielder or at left-back.
For the U21s this season Cozier-Duberry has mainly played on the right wing, but it remains to be seen where he will end up in the long term.
There is a concern that he would be fouled frequently if he played at first-team level, but Cozier-Duberry is capable of rising to the challenge and making an impact.
At times his decision making could be of a higher standard, but Cozier-Duberry’s all-round progress has been very impressive and he is certainly a player to watch out for.
Cozier-Duberry could still feature occasionally for the U18s this season, perhaps in the FA Youth Cup, but the majority of his football will come for the U21s, while he will also be hoping to feature in some capacity for the first-team.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Good luck to him. It’s a big step up for him to get to the first team, but even getting close at 17 is impressive.
Here’s hoping for Saka mark 2!
It’s a high bar but the comparison is a genuine one. He can play well in multiple positions comfortably and is technically excellent. 🤞for his continued progression.
“Versatility is another strength for the England youth international – he can play on either flank, as a midfielder or at left-back.”
Fingers crossed he doesn’t fall into the Ox/AMN trap of never fixing a position.
It didn’t seem to hurt Saka so i guess it doesn’t have to be a bad thing
Absolutely, it doesn’t need to be a bad thing. I felt a while ago that AMN could do with having a chat with James Milner about being ready to do whatever job the manager assigns.
This kid would come good. I just know it.
Having watched a bit in the u18 and now u23’s, I don’t think he resembles those two. I do understand the analogy, but he possesses a different level of urgency and intent. On top of that, he is very effective in those moments. I LOVE THIS CLUB!! COYG!!
We need more double barrelled players. I don’t know what a duberry is but I like the idea of a cozy one.
Cozier-Duberry>Dewsbury-Hall
I can hear the new chant already… “Saka and Emil Smith Row and Amario Cozier-Duberry”
Let’s hope he continues to make steady progress and one day, who knows? It’s always worthwhile giving promising youngsters a chance when/where appropriate – something that the club has not always done in the past, sometimes to the club’s cost unfortunately.
Sorry ? – Not give youth a chance… You must be looking at the wrong club – Adams, Thomas, Rocastle, Keown, Davies, Merson, Kev Campbell, Parlour, Cole, Fabregas, Wilshire, Oxlade-C, Saka, Eddie, ESR – infact at some points during the middle phase of Arsene’s reign we relied too much on young players much to the detriment of our ability to win trophies….
Yep… there was also Vieira, Anelka, Diaby, Ramsey, Holding, Stephen Hughes, Denilson, Bendtner. All of them were teenagers or very early 20s when they made their debuts.
Does anyone know where he was playing before we gave him the successful trial that prompted us to sign him?
Came to Arsenal youth at 14, so possibly no other club.
With such technique and qualities, I would be surprised if he hasn’t train until that age. As his popularity will rise, probably we will find the answer to our questions. For the moment however, all I could dig up is that he was attending Ferry Lane primary school, so a local boy 🙂
The kid is great from what I just watched on You Tube.
Is the Duberry part of his name anything to do with Michael Duberry?
Probably doesn’t mean anything, but Michael has a son about that age named Koby..
Yes Michael Duberry the former Chelsea player is his dad.
Hope he doesn’t have as many own goals in him then.
Just curious, how do you know?
Michael Duberry is not his dad