Teenage Mexican sensation Marcelo Flores has claimed he can support the Gunners forward line next season in an interview with The Athletic.
The 18-year-old was a fixture of Kevin Betsy’s u23 side last season, impressing those in the Mexican national set up, and the busy winger is hopeful he “can be involved in the Qatar World Cup.”
The 18-year-old has impressed those in the Mexican national set up.
With 10 goals and 3 assists in 17 appearances in the Hale End academy teams this season, Flores is beginning a path of ascent reminiscent of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe at Arsenal. The way the prodigy describes his game is eerily reflective of the two recent Hale End graduates, stating that he likes “being isolated on the wing and beating a man so [he] can get in one-v-one opportunities to score goals.”
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The confidence matches the talent, and with an idol such as from Cristiano Ronaldo, it’s little wonder where that self-belief comes from. Talent only gets you so far in the cruel world of the football industry, and Flores is hyper-aware of that. The consistent discussions with coaches and in-depth analysis of video tape a manifestation of his innate desire for perfection.
The young Mexican stated that “he doesn’t mind” spearheading an attack, and he’s an “energetic person [that] likes pressing a lot”. On paper, the 18-year-old is an archetypal Arteta forward. Huge self-belief and the selflessness to come with it.
The coming season may come too soon to see Flores featuring regularly for the Gunners, however, with the Europa League group stage, along with a congested fixture schedule onset by the winter World Cup, the bright lights of the Emirates stage may be shining on the young man sooner rather than later.
Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta
Jake Lennard