Arsenal are currently flying high in the Premier League under manager Mikel Arteta, with the Spaniard having worked wonders by transforming a previously struggling outfit into rampant title contenders.
While astute recruitment has been central to that rise, the former Manchester City assistant coach has also benefitted from the quality of the club’s youth production, with Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah having both played key roles of late, while Emile Smith Rowe is also nearing his return from injury.
Although that sparkling trio are still young themselves, there is already seemingly a focus on just who will be the next young starlet to cement their place in the side, with one suitable candidate undoubtedly that of 19-year-old, Charlie Patino.
The promising teenager – who scored on his senior debut for the Gunners last season – only has two appearances to his name for the club to date, although his sparkling form on loan at Championship side Blackpool this season has shed light on the potential diamond that the north Londoners have on their hands.
How is Patino performing at Blackpool?
While there may still be plenty of time left in the 2022/23 campaign, the promising Englishman has certainly already made a big impression at Bloomfield Road, having been in “outstanding” form thus far, according to former boss, Michael Appleton.
Tipped to be a “big hit” for the Emirates outfit in the future as he is “such a gifted young footballer”, in the words of journalist Josh Bunting, the playmaker boasts a haul of three goals and two assists in 26 games across all fronts so far this season.
The Watford-born gem – who saw his deal with his parent club extended last year – has particularly impressed with his relentless work ethic in the second tier, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 1% for blocks made among those in his position in the ‘Men’s next eight competitions’, as per FBref, as well as in the top 3% for interceptions.
The central midfield sensation is clearly something of an all-round package, with current Tangerines manager Mick McCarthy suggesting only recently that he is going to be a “very good player”.
Such glowing praise will likely be of no surprise to those back in the capital, with Arsenal scout Brian Stapleton previously giving an insight into just how highly-rated Patino is at the club, having stated in 2021:
“Sean O’Connor discovered Jack Wilshere and he said to me that Charlie is the best player who has ever walked through the doors at Hale End,”.
Also the subject of comparisons to City star, Phil Foden, it is clear that Patino has the tools and the talent to force his way into Arteta’s plans next season, with the hope being that he can flourish alongside another man who is currently shining out on loan – Folarin Balogun – in the years to come.
How good could Patino and Balogun be?
The Gunners could have the makings of a truly mouthwatering partnership with the creative Patino – who has been described as “unbelievable” by Stapleton – able to supply the goods for Balogun in attack.
Like his fellow academy graduate, the latter ace has also taken the chance of a loan move with both hands, with the 21-year-old having been a leading presence for Ligue 1 outfit Stade de Reims this season, scoring 15 times and providing one assist in just 23 games in all competitions.
That includes a haul of 14 league goals this season, ensuring he is outperforming the likes of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in France’s top flight, with only Monaco’s Wissam Ben Yedder having matched that tally.
Having previously been showing “incredible” progress in the youth set-up at Hale End, according to Arteta, the England U21 international appears to have taken further steps forward so far this term, with a return to the first-team fold at the Emirates now undoubtedly in the works ahead of next term.
With Arteta – and sporting director Edu – likely to be plotting ways to strengthen in the transfer market this summer, the pair could well save the club millions by putting their faith in both Balogun and Patino for the 2023/24 campaign.
