Arsenal Mikel Arteta has earmarked Eddie Nketiah for a leading role in his future plans. He has branded the young striker an “extraordinary” talent and tipped him to be the man to help take his side to the “next level” in the future.
But it could have been a very different story for the young striker. Nketiah, 21, was released by Chelsea for being too small when he was just 14 but quickly found his way to Arsenal.
Eventually, he was handed a scholarship and later professional terms as he went from strength to strength. Yet former academy manager Andries Jonker has recalled how he caused a debate amongst coaches as a 16-year-old as they considered releasing a teenage Nketiah.
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