Arsenal loanee Mika Biereth is impressing in pre-season for Eredivisie side RKC Waalwijk, ahead of his first campaign in senior football.
As one of Arsenal's first loan deals this summer, Mika Biereth has been able to play a full part in RKC Waalwijk's pre-season preparations so far.
The 19-year-old striker has made an immediate impact in the number nine shirt, scoring five goals and assisting one in just four pre-season friendlies.
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That total is all the more impressive considering Biereth has only played limited minutes in each appearance so far.
The early matches of pre-season are generally a little easier, with top clubs facing off against local teams from lower divisions.
But Biereth's appearance against top division Dutch side PEC Zwolle on Tuesday was one of his best yet, as he scored a brace and assisted another goal.
Early momentum is always useful for loanees, and that's particularly true for strikers. A few goals in your opening games will win you plenty of favour with the fans, whilst starting off with a dry spell can do the opposite.
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Biereth's early exploits will ensure he heads into the competitive campaign on the back of some encouraging pre-season tallies, making him all the more likely to keep his place in the team.
The Danish u19 international's glut of goals surely won't last all season. This is his first campaign in senior football, and there are sure to be ups and downs.
But one encouraging aspect to Biereth as a young prospect is that he doesn't seem phased by new challenges.
At the start of the 2021/22 campaign, Biereth was joining a new club and stepping up to u23 football for the first time.
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He could easily have been phased, but he was arguably Arsenal's top academy performer, with 23 goal contributions in all competitions.
That certainly inspires some confidence that he can repeat the trick this season, as he once again steps up to a new level of football with a new club.
Biereth is a goalscorer without a doubt, but he also stands up well to physical challenges. He's unselfish - racking up nine assists last season - and he has a good variety to his finishes.
On his loan spell so far, Biereth has already scored with his left foot, his right foot, his head, and from the penalty spot.
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The striker also doesn't shy away from the big games, scoring over half of last season's goals against the youth teams of Spurs, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
The key word of warning to keep in mind is that we've seen this all before from Arsenal youth strikers.
Many have torn up the youth scene without being able to transfer that form to senior football, even in the lower leagues or abroad.
The initial signs might suggest that Biereth is an exception, but he wouldn't be the first to impress in friendlies before dropping off under the pressure of real competition.
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So it's important not to get carried away. For now, Biereth is simply a promising talent making a very solid start.
Featured Image Credit: Orange Pics BV / Alamy Stock PhotoTopics: Arsenal