The hype around Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino is only building and building, especially after his latest goal for the Gunners’ Under 23s.
The teenager retrieved the ball deep inside the opposition half. He then went past four Manchester United players, including Phil Jones, before chipping the ball over the onrushing Dean Henderson:
Charlie Patinoβs wonderful solo goal in Arsenal U23s 3-0 win over Manchester United yesterday. [@ArsenalAcademy] #afc
π @CharliePatino10 pic.twitter.com/iY4Ty33Te3
β afcstuff (@afcstuff) September 12, 2021
Supporters on Twitter are getting rather excited by Patino’s potential, with many wondering when the 17-year-old will be handed his first-team debut:
Messi vibes. π
β Patrick Ngigi (@NgigiP2037) September 12, 2021
Some talent that boy
β Lloyd (@luluark) September 12, 2021
Reminds of Rambo
β Steve Stash π·πΌ (@stvstash) September 12, 2021
He went around Phil Jones and Dean Henderson, not really regular U23 players π€£π€£
β James (@TheJamesManWs) September 12, 2021
Phil Jones still falling all over the place π€¦ββοΈ
β Dave Griffin (@griffin41962) September 12, 2021
@brandonplumb3 big talent
β Teagueo (@Teagueo) September 12, 2021
Patino looks a serious baller
β Double E (@Elochukwu_) September 12, 2021
If the boy continues heβll be better than foden. Better than jack vs Barcelona too
β mainman.69 (@69Mainman) September 12, 2021
Patino clearly has the skill and composure on the ball to play at a very high level, but there remain some concerns about his physicality and consistency.
As we see in the video clip, though, he does already possess superb balance and close control. The way he ghosts past so many players before converting his chance shows that he can be very direct when making forward runs.
With a Carabao Cup tie coming up against AFC Wimbledon next week, some are hoping that Patino could be given his senior bow.