Arsenal teenager Charlie Patino captained the Under 23s in their first group match of the EFL Trophy against Swindon’s senior side on Tuesday night.
The Gunners may have lost the game 2-1 but the 17-year-old stood out with his excellent passing range and composure on the ball.
Supporters are rather excited by Patino’s potential, with some comparing him with a young Jack Wilshere or Cesc Fabregas:
ahhh another hale end starboy🤩❤️🔥
— CD (@cjsdade) September 7, 2021
Can see him getting minutes this season as well. Kind of hope we sell ElNeny as it will make Patinos path much clearer.
— Lew (@Lew_afc) September 7, 2021
Can't wait to see him at the carpet😍😍😍
— Sly Umoh 🇳🇬 (@iamsly69) September 7, 2021
⭐ boy in the making
— Magic hat (@49__undefeated) September 7, 2021
Patio is a generational talent Trust me he might be the best of Hale End….far from hype I back him for a cup appearance
— Ayslim (@Ayslim1) September 7, 2021
He’s got the ‘IT’ factor for sure, like watching left footed Cesc as a young lad. Very promising!
— Ian (@bish_ian) September 7, 2021
Reminds me of Jack Wilshere!
— AG (@arungooner5) September 7, 2021
Just watched the clip…..without a doubt in my mind he is the next big thing from Hale end and he is ready absolutely ready
— Kimbuggwe Joseph🇺🇬 (@PrincJBK) September 7, 2021
What a talent he is.
— Jonas (@GeeraertsJonas) September 7, 2021
There is already some clamour for the teenager to get his senior debut against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup later this month.
Whether manager Mikel Arteta will give Patino his chance, we shall have to wait and see. The Gunners boss has allowed the midfielder to train with the first-team on a number of occasions over the past 18 months so he clearly rates the youngster.
A home cup tie against a third-tier team would also prove an ideal setting for Patino to get his first taste at senior level.