Teenage Anglo-Nigerian left back Josh Ogunnaike and English-Spanish Indian-Nigerian midfielder Zac Shuaib recently had the opportunity to train with Arsenal’s first team, alongside new signing Raheem Sterling. The session took place at the Sobha Training Centre on September 3, 2024, with first team players who were not called up for international duty.
Ogunnaike, aged 16, signed a scholarship deal with Arsenal this summer and has played once in the U18 Premier League this season. Shuaib, 17, has appeared in two U18 Premier League matches as a substitute but was not included in the squad for the recent fixture against West Bromwich Albion. Both teenagers were invited to train with the first team by manager Mikel Arteta, as many senior players were away on international duty.
Sterling, who joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day, also participated in the session. The winger is aiming to rejuvenate his career after being left out of the England national team for the 2024 European Championship and the upcoming UEFA Nations League games.
Editorial
Josh Ogunnaike and Zac Shuaib’s invitation to train with Arsenal’s first team is a significant moment in their young careers. Being part of a training session alongside senior professionals like Raheem Sterling provides invaluable experience for these young talents. It also shows the confidence Arsenal’s coaching staff has in their potential.
For Ogunnaike and Shuaib, this is a chance to learn and grow under the guidance of Mikel Arteta and established players, which could accelerate their development. As Arsenal looks to the future, integrating young players into first-team activities is a strategy that could bear fruit in the long run.
The presence of Raheem Sterling, a seasoned professional, adds another layer of value to the session. Sterling, eager to get his career back on track, can serve as an inspiration to these young players, demonstrating the resilience needed to navigate the ups and downs of professional football.
Did You Know?
- Josh Ogunnaike and Zac Shuaib are both part of Arsenal’s U18 squad, with Ogunnaike making his debut this season in the U18 Premier League.
- Raheem Sterling’s loan move to Arsenal from Chelsea came on the last day of the summer transfer window, as he looks to revive his career after a tough period.
- Arsenal’s Sobha Training Centre is a state of the art facility used by both the first team and academy players, providing an ideal environment for development.
- Arsenal’s commitment to youth development has seen several academy graduates make their way into the first team over the years, including Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
- The involvement of first team players like Sterling in training sessions with young talents offers a unique opportunity for mentorship and growth.
