Rio Ferdinand Predicts Arsenal Prodigy To Become Breakthrough Star Of 2022

By The Editor
on 2nd January 2022

Rio Ferdinand tells the public to watch out for Charlie Patino…

Rio Ferdinand chose Arsenal prodigy, Charlie Patino, when predicting his breakthrough star of 2022 after the 18-year-old scored on his Gunners debut last month, he told BT Sport.

Patino has long been regarded as the crown jewel in the Hale End academy, particularly in the batch of players in the age group below Bukayo Saka.

After making his debut in the Carabao Cup win against Sunderland, Mikel Arteta confirmed that the teenager will continue to train with the first team and be brought in slowly.

Interesting, unlike other promising youngsters, it seems a loan move away to gain first-team experience isn’t in the offing for Patino, another show of the club’s faith in his immense ability.

Rio tipped Patino to not only shine in 2022 but reach the pinnacle of the sport.

“Go on YouTube and watch his clips. It’s a joke what you see, the talent he’s got,” the former Manchester United defender explained.

“I’ve spoken to people at Arsenal and what they say about him in terms of this kid, talent-wise, could potentially be the best of the lot that’s come out in recent years. It’s a huge bar, but this kid has the talent and the big, big part of him is his mentality.

“When you talk to anybody who knows him, mentally, he doesn’t get carried away, doesn’t get too low, doesn’t get too high, very balanced kid, but has all the fundamentals in his game to really go to the top of the tree.

“This kid is the next. I just feel, when you watch him, there’s a beautiful way he plays, the balance, the rhythm, the fans will enjoy watching him.”

Trying to taper the hype surrounding a developing talent is almost impossible in the world we currently live in – illustrated by the fact Patino’s name was being sung around the Emirates as he was being introduced.

Fans are more engaged and knowledgeable than ever before and, in the case of Arsenal fans, we know a player when we see one.

Luckily, it seems poise and a level head are some of Patino’s best qualities which should stand him in good stead.