Stephy Mavididi has amassed a wealth of experience playing for Arsenal at youth level, having first broken into the U18 side when he was technically still in the U15 age group.
The hard-working forward has continued to progress and is now one of the most established players in Arsenal’s U23 team having made a major impact at that level last season.
Although he has mainly been deployed as a striker in the past, in recent weeks Mavididi has been used in the number ten position and the initial signs have been very encouraging indeed, with the youngster linking play extremely well while still managing to get into good positions to have attempts on goal himself.
Mavididi’s ability to adapt quickly to a new position could be a major boost with regards to his first-team prospects, while it has also enabled Arsenal to give some much-needed game time to Chuba Akpom in U23 fixtures.
Arsenal have several talented young strikers on their books, with Mavididi joining the likes of Akpom, Donyell Malen and Edward Nketiah in that regard.
The option to deploy Mavididi in a slightly deeper position is, then, rather welcome, as it allows the likes of Malen and Nketiah to be more heavily involved with the U23s and in the UEFA Youth League.
Mavididi is strong, skilful and quick, and, although his finishing isn’t always perfect, the 18-year-old continues to go in search of a goal and never gives up even when matters aren’t going his way.
The prospect could have a major part to play in Arsenal’s Youth League campaign this season and he was one of the team’s more dangerous attacking players in the hard-fought draw away to Paris Saint-Germain this week.
If he continues to develop at this rate then it surely won’t be too long before Mavididi edges closer to the first-team squad.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
He’ll never cut the mustard here
You comment certainly cuts the cheese.
I really do love reading these articles written by Jeorge Bird. Always informative and refreshing. Keep it up!
Seconded – thanks Jeorge!
Play him on saturday
Good to hear of more lads not just coming through but barging their way through the youth ranks.
Jam tomorrow, as the saying goes.
First I’ve heard of him…Let’s hope he achieves his potential unlike so many others. Keep working hard lad!
he’ll be lighting up league one in no time.
I’d hire Jeorge as a youth scout.
its good for his development. all the best strikers have played in midfield or wings . it improves them to make space for themselves and for other teamates to run into against tougher opponents.
Granted, there are so many hours in a day, but the Arse site has loads of info about the youth setup including clips/reports from matches at various levels. They broadcasted the entire PSG v. Arsenal (U19) CL game which took place just a few hours before the senior match. That publicity is something the players must be aware of and should motivate them too. Some of the U23 games are also broadcast on the Arse player which is also a good distraction.