****THREAD****
/ Miguel Azeez /

First in a (potential) series of short threads on Arsenal’s most prominent youth prospects.

This thread will examine:
• The role Miguel currently plays for Arsenal U18s / U23s
• Some of Miguel’s key strengths and some areas for improvement
• His possible path to the first team; the chances of this, and over what timescale this might occur

Highly rated 17 year-old midfielder Azeez has been a familiar face in Arsenal’s youth setup over the past 3 years.

Appearing for both the U18s and U23s side, Azeez has played 31 games and over 2000 minutes of competitive domestic youth-football, with 8 G/A in this period.

Azeez is often deployed as either a holding or defensive midfielder, partnered with a more attacking minded midfielder as part of a pivot.

However, given the experimental nature of youth-football, he has operated everywhere between a staunch #6 and an attacking playmaker.

Azeez can therefore be seen to be showing impressive versatility at this early stage in his career, a trait that has been central to other Hale End prospects’ routes to first team football - such as Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Bukayo Saka.

Azeez is adept at driving his team forward, unafraid at taking a man on to beat the press and build momentum to spur on an attack.

Azeez is also very capable as a destructive midfielder - making a crucial tackle just in front of the defensive line before driving forward again.

Then, when presented with space, Azeez will often opt to spread play out wide, and has showcased a good-level of awareness in choosing the correct man on an open flank.

This ability to take the ball under pressure, create space and pick out a forward runner is perhaps his greatest asset at this early stage of his career.

As well as his defensive capabilities, Azeez has looked comfortable as a creative outlet in the final third, often presenting a viable option for a 1-2 on the edge of the opposition box.

Azeez is also adept at dead ball situations, able to create dangerous opportunities from anywhere within 40 yards of the opposition goal. Again, this points to the versatility if traits he offers when on the pitch.

And, as any good youth prospect does, Azeez has a goal or two in his locker. Consider this well struck shot from outside the box against Aston Villa U18s.

Azeez is a raw talent and there are many opportunities for improvement.

Azeez himself has admitted that he picks up too many yellow cards (5 already this season), though the ‘tactical’ nature of these fouls must be considered as part of his ‘destructive’ playstyle.

So what may be on the horizon for this promising midfielder?

If the Arsenal hierarchy deem Miguel to be a potential starter in the long-term future, then we can expect a Championship/League One loan opportunity, as has been presented to Emile Smith-Rowe and Tyreece John-Jules.

Like Emile Smith-Rowe last season, Azeez may even see some first team minutes towards the end of this season, especially given Arteta’s experimental tactical approach post-restart, and the exclusion of fellow youthful midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.

To conclude, Azeez is clearly showing his versatile capabilities at youth-level, and impressed similarly at a national youth-level.

Still only 17, the sky is the limit for this destructive young midfielder, with an eye for a pass and adept spatial awareness.

Watch this space.

Let me know if you enjoyed this and drop a follow for more Arsenal-related commentary (and hatred)

Special thanks for footage goes to:
• MicroP10 Football https://www.youtube.com/c/miroP10 
• JR Sports https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1uoaHpY3eHl7eqcGmAUidQ
• The Prospects Perspective https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjNukV9HiKJyf8-od62LaWA
• WOAHD https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpRBZFSaekOz8CPmfLKcjyg

Drop them a subscribe for youth-football related content