Arsenal U19s fell to their third consecutive defeat in the UEFA Youth League this season as they lost 4-3 at home to their Atletico Madrid counterparts yesterday.
The young Gunners opened the scoring early on through Harrison Dudziak with Max Dowman later scoring two penalties but it wasn’t enough to prevent a defeat against a spirited Atletico side, who scored the winner late on courtesy of Jesus Barrios.
Arsenal struggled to cope with the tactical variety and physicality that Atletico provided at times but there were still some positives, including the performance of Marli Salmon.
Despite being the second youngest player in the team behind Dowman, Salmon was entrusted with the captain’s armband against Atletico in the absence of regular skipper Louie Copley who was absent due to suspension.
Although Arsenal conceded three goals Salmon still emerged from the game with his reputation enhanced, with the 16-year-old making numerous important defensive interventions.
The centre-back featured for the first-team in pre-season and has continued to train with Mikel Arteta’s squad at times.
Breaking into such an impressive defensive unit will be a considerably difficult task but the fact that Salmon is also capable of playing at right-back could help his chances.
Salmon remains calm under pressure and certainly seems to have the mentality of a player who could succeed at a high level.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
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