According to The Athletic (subscription needed), Arsenal have completed the signing of Tim Akinola. The youngster has joined the club on a free transfer as his contract with his former club, Huddersfield Town, expired at the end of the season. Akinola is set to play for the Arsenal reserve side, Gunners giving emphasis on developing young players.
Who is Tim Akinola?
A left-winger by trade, Akinola is a hard-working attacker, who isn’t shy when it comes to pressuring the opponent. Indeed, the youngster is always keen on winning the ball back for his team and has a surprising accuracy in his tackles. It makes him quite an asset in the first line of press.
Aside from that, Akinola is primarily known for his trickery. He has quick-feet that enables him to bamboozle opposing defenders and squeeze through tight spaces. The winger is also blessed with an electric pace that makes him a scourge for the defenders on the counter.
In fact, the 19-year-old can often be seen initiating quick counter-attacks. His ability to find passes in the final third adds to his fantastic offensive qualities.
Akinola still has a lot to learn in order to make himself more well-rounded. But, with age on his side, the Englishman is undoubtedly one to keep an eye on, in the future.
How Akinola fit in at Arsenal?
As mentioned earlier, Akinola will be joining the Arsenal reserve side, which surely isn’t a bad proposition for a player who is yet to make his mark in professional football.
The Arsenal academy has gained a lot of reputation for creating a host of talented youngsters over the course of the past five years. It is a list that includes current stars like Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock.
Besides, it is fair to point out that the arrival of Mikel Arteta has forced the club to further emphasise on the development of young players rather than relying on the market, especially after last summer’s debacle.
Akinola, in that regard, is an excellent option to have, given how much potential he has shown at Huddersfield Town. His all-round qualities going forward could potentially make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s tactical philosophy.
Although the youngster is unlikely to make a breakthrough anytime soon, he certainly has the scope to do so in the future, especially with Willian nearing the final phase of his career while Reiss Nelson has failed to live up to the expectations.
