Mikel Arteta: We Have To Cook Charlie Patino Slowly

By The Editor
on 21st December 2021

Mikel Arteta shares fans’ excitement about Charlie Patino but calls for patience…

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta shared fans’ excitement about wonderkid Charlie Patino after the 18-year-old netted minutes after coming on for his debut, but pleaded for patience regarding the youngster’s development, The Evening Standard reports.

Patino has long been regarded as the next gem to come out of the Hale End academy and has been putting in stunning performances for the U23s this season.

The former Luton academy star has also been making a statement when playing against senior players in the Papa John’s Trophy this term, particularly against Swindon Town and Ipswich.

Patino replaced Emile Smith Rowe with just over 10 minutes to go and managed to get himself on the scoresheet as he side-footed home a Nicolas Pepe cross.

Donning the No.87 shirt – the same number Bukayo Saka wore on his debut – the hype surrounding the teenager will surely soar.

Arteta took note of the fans’ reception towards Patino as he prepared to be introduced, but pleaded for patience with regards to his development.

“I think that is very positive,” the boss about the fans chanting Patino’s name.

“They heard about him and know what he can become and now we have to cook him slowly. Today was a good start, I think.

“He still has a lot of competition in front of him. He is really young. And he needs to go step by step.

“Today he was lucky, he got the opportunity and he took it really well,” the Spaniard added.

In terms of getting more first-team minutes this term, Patino will surely be eyeing up that FA Cup tie at Nottingham Forest next month as a good opportunity.

Moving forward, next summer’s pre-season will likely be the period in which he can be properly integrated into the first team.