In recent weeks, much has been spoken about Arsenal youth product Alex Iwobi. The Nigerian international put in a Man of the Match performance against Everton after an impressive first UEFA Champions League start against Barcelona, and now follows the likes of Francis Coquelin, Hector Bellerin and Jack Wilshere to make the grade in the first team.
Iwobi was the captain of the under-21’s, and has been one of the best players in the youth academy over the last few seasons. Last summer, however, Arsenal recruited a large batch of new youth players to the academy, one of which was Ajax striker, Donyell Malen.
The Dutch forward joined the Arsenal’s under-18 squad this year, having played for Ajax’s B1 team last season. Arsenal fought off interest from Chelsea to secure the young forward, it seems like they made the right decision. Malen originally started for Frans De Kat’s under-18 squad at the beginning of the year, but has now been promoted to the under-21 team.
Although Malen went largely unnoticed in comparison to Jeff Raine-Adelaide, it’s safe to say he showed his potential after scoring a hat-trick against Reading.
YouTube: Sport 8 – 11 dec 2015 Donyell Malen 2
Due to his impressive performances, the young forward was promoted into the under-21 squad before the turn of the year, and has continued to improve. He has scored four goals in nine appearances (as of 31st March) for the under-21s this season, while also playing a big role in Arsenal’s UEFA Youth League squad. What makes the goal tally even more impressive, is that Malen is still only 17 – a junior member of the squad, and yet is pushing for a starting spot in the senior youth side.
In a fairly strong under-21 squad, Malen has had to compete with the likes of Stephy Mavididi, Kaylen Hinds and Chris Willock for a starting spot. Although Mavididi seems to have stolen back the starting spot recently, Malen has continued to thrive and was handed his professional contract in February.
It’s not difficult to understand why Malen is so prised by Arsenal. The Holland under-17 international has exceptional pace, quick feet, and is seemingly an adept finisher for his age. He can also play on the wing, but through the middle is his best position, as he can use his pace to trouble defenders. Coming from the famed Ajax academy, it is presumed he has excellent quality, and was termed as “a great talent with clear potential” by Ajax.
Although Arsenal’s first-team seem to be lacking at the striker position, the youth academy is teeming with excellent prospects. Malen has done exceptionally well this year, but will need to continue his development next season – as he will likely become a more permanent member of the under-21 squad.
YouTube: ᴴᴰ Donyell Malen • Dutch Supertalent • Skills & Goals
With Akpom likely going to be given his chance in the first team next year, and Mavididi possibly going out on loan, Malen has a great opportunity to showcase his talents. Although he has stiff competition ahead of him, if he can improve on his development next year, we could well see the talented Dutchman following Iwobi into the first team in the next season or two.
