Physical Defender Awe Reveals Arsenal Snatched Him From Under The Noses Of Crystal Palace

London-born center back of Nigerian descent Zach Awe has revealed that he was first spotted by Crystal Palace before joining Arsenal at U8 level.

Still only 16, Awe has been tipped for a first team breakthrough at the Gunners in future considering the manner in which he has been fast-tracked into the U18 and U23 setup in addition to training with the first team.

He is a regular for the Gunners 18s having started more than half of their matches in the U18 Premier League this season and shone on his full debut in the Premier League 2, helping goalkeeper Hein to post a clean sheet in a 6-0 rout of Blackburn Rovers U23s last month.

On how he joined Arsenal, Awe told Arsenal's Matchday Programme : "My Arsenal journey started when I joined the club as an U8, and looking back, it's pretty crazy that I've been here for that long already!

"I actually started playing my football for a local Sunday team and after a couple of seasons, I was spotted by Crystal Palace.

"I joined them as an U7, but when Arsenal came calling a year later, it was an opportunity that we just couldn't turn down."

Awe explained that he was a fullback when he initially joined the Gunners before he was converted into a center back and describes himself as a physical player.

"I actually joined the club as a right back, but over time I've been shifted across into central defence.

"I also played as a midfielder for a while and I still enjoy playing there, but I've always been a tall and physical player, so I'm a natural fit at the back.

"That's not at the cost of ability on the ball, though," Awe added.

A first year scholar, Awe shares the same agent as fellow Hale End Academy products of Nigerian descent Alex Iwobi, Chuba Akpom, Bukayo Saka, Tobi Omole and Folarin Balogun.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com