MIKEL ARTETA has heaped praise on Arsenal’s academy after unearthing another superkid to rewrite more history.
Aged 16 years and 102 days, Marli Salmon became the fourth youngest player ever to feature for Arsenal’s senior team – and the youngest ever defender – in Wednesday’s 3-0 win at Club Brugge.
Ethan Nwaneri, who also featured in Belgium, still holds the record after playing aged 15 years and 181 days old against Brentford in September 2022.
Max Dowman was 15 and 235 days old when he played against Leeds in the Premier League in September, while he also became the youngest ever Champions League player aged 15 years and 308 days old when arriving as a sub against Slavia Prague.
In September 2024, aged 16 years and 72 days, keeper Jack Porter made his debut in a 5-1 win over Bolton in the Carabao Cup.
So now, versatile defender Salmon – who also starred for the club in pre-season in the Far East – has taken his place in the club’s hall of fame.
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Manager Arteta said: “It is great – that’s what we want. That’s why we put so much work and everybody in the academy put so much enthusiasm and work.
“For a long time, you have to prepare those talents. So thanks to them, because when we need them, they are there, they are ready to perform.”
Salmon grew up in Woodford, north-east London, and started out at grassroots with a local club called Global.
He was scouted by Arsenal aged nine and was soon signed up, although ge was initially a forward before being urged to play as a defender – and he agreed.
Arsenal’s youngest-ever players
Ethan Nwaneri – Debut Age: 15y 181d
Max Downman – Debut Age: 15y 235d
Jack Porter – Debut Age: 16y 72d
Marli Salmon – Debut Age: 16y 103d
Cesc Fabregas – Debut Age: 16y 177d
Jack Wilshere – Debut Age: 16y 256D
Arteta admitted that he decided on Tuesday to put Salmon on the bench because midfielder Christian Norgaard had to play as a makeshift centre-back because of Jurrien Timber’s injury.
The Spanish coach said: “From yesterday, we knew we had to play Christian as well.
“We had to really consider it because we were playing a really good side that had some really good results in the Champions League at home as well.
“But we knew that at some point we had to use him (Salmon).
“He was ready, he was prepared, he can play as a centre-back or as a full-back.
“I’m delighted, so young, 16, he’s playing in the Champions League, so what a great effort from him as well.”
Dowman, meanwhile, is set to miss two months after injuring his ankle against Manchester United’s under-21s on Saturday.
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