Arsenal welcomed Marcelo Allende to first-team training this week, with the Chilean currently undergoing his second trial with the club.
Allende travelled to North London from South America for a trial back in February of last year, and is back to try and earn himself a permanent move in the near future.
The 17 year-old came through the ranks of Primera B Division side Cobreloa, as did Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas, and will be keen to continue the success of the academy.
Marcelo came to the attention of Arsenal after captaining his Chile Under-17 side in the World Championships back in 2015, where he helped his side to reach the last 16 of the competition, scoring twice in the process.
The midfielder’s previous temporary spell with us saw him feature in the Durban International Cup, which he helped us to win, and he could well find himself offered the chance to join our club from April, after he turns 18, and is eligible for a contract, although a work permit may prove problematic.
Work permit regulations have been toughened in recent years, and with the 18 year-old far from breaking into the senior Chile international side, we could be forced to send him to one of our feeder clubs until a permit could become possible (Brexit could complicate this further, but we believe the Freedom of Movement Act will remain in place).
Allende has previously been quoted as saying: “I’m a fast thinker and always try to have the play mapped out before I get the ball – then just take a touch.
“I also like splitting the lines with a pass… that gives me as much pleasure as a goal.”
The youngster is most definitely not a world beater as of yet, but our club must see the potential in him, and he could well become a household name in years to come.
Could Allende become a household name? Should clubs focus more on homegrown talent?
Pat J
Why is he coming for a second trial? Didn’t the first trial go as expected?
Why am I not feeling excited about this?
“You think two beautiful passes are enough,” said Mourinho, “You think you’re so good that 50 per cent is enough.”
“He pauses. Stares at me with his dark brown eyes. I stare back. Like two boxers at the stare-down before the first round. He shows no emotion. Just waits for a response from me. How much I hate him right now. And I love Mourinho actually.”
Mourinho continued tearing into Ozil after the German threw his shirt on the floor: “Oh, are you giving up now? You’re such a coward.
“What do you want? To creep under the beautiful, warm shower? Shampoo your hair? To be alone? Or do you want to prove to your fellow players, the fans out there, and me, what you can do.”
Ozil on Mourinho in his new biography he published.
Van Persie once said something like this bout Ferguson too.
How come nobody says such bout Wenger?? is he that spineless?? Shows the diff between losers and winners
Yeah I just read that myself, and thought the same. Mourinho said what he said because he demands 100% from every player, and doesn’t accept second best. If the players cannot handle criticism, then that’s their problem, as Mourinho’s job is to win trophies…which he does.
No wonder every ex-Wenger player only has good things to say about their former boss, because we know he barely even shouts at anyone, gives them too much freedom on the pitch, and gives players almost limitless opportunities to impress, even if that means keeping a player at the club for decade just to get one or two good seasons out of them. Wenger’s blind loyalty is what has cost Arsenal so much success. We badly need a ruthless manager.
Sir, its called leadership style. Every manager has their own style and approach to managing talent. In leadership there is no copy and spate.
About winning titles top coaches don`t rely on massive cash to win titles. Let Mourinho go and manage an average club, then I`ll be convinced that he is a great coach.
Mourinho won the Champions League with Porto, which answers your question.
Sir, its called leadership style. Every manager has their own style and approach to managing talent. In leadership there is no copy and spate.
About winning titles top coaches don`t rely on massive cash to win titles. Let Mourinho go and manage an average club, then I`ll be convinced that he is a great coach.