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Report: 18-year-old Arsenal prodigy could play at the 2022 World Cup

Giuseppe Labellarte

Wed 23 March 2022 7:15, UK

Not only do Arsenal have an impressive first-team squad, but there are plenty of top talents coming through the ranks.

The likes of Charlie Patino, Omari Hutchinson, Miguel Azeez and Salah Oulad M-hand all look destined for stardom.

In addition, Arsenal have one academy player who could potentially be starring at the World Cup this year.

Marcelo Flores is already a senior Mexico international despite officially still being with the Gunners’

In December last year, debuted for El Tri’s senior squad in a friendly against Chile in Austin, Texas.

As the match took part on a non-FIFA date, both sides featured line-ups with plenty of young faces and fringe players.

Flores – who’s his Arsenal senior debut – came on in the 83rd minute of the match, which finished 2-2.

Speaking ahead of the game, Mexico coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino praised the Arsenal gem.

“Marcelo Flores awakens the hopes that all spectators have,” quotes him as saying.

“He’s a different player who always asks for the ball.”

After the game, Tata sought to temper expectations on such a young player.

“I understand the expectations that can create but I ask for prudence with the demands of an 18-year-old,” he .

Flores one of the top 50 youngsters in world football

have published their NxGn 2022 list, counting down the top 50 players born on or after 1 January 2003.

Flores was 48th in the rankings, above the impressive Endrick.

“Despite having only just broken into Arsenal’s Under-23s side, Marcelo Flores is creating plenty of headlines in Mexico,” they wrote.

“The 18-year-old attacking midfielder is already a full international, having made his debut for El Tri in December.

“And there is hope that he could yet make Gerardo Martino’s squad for the 2022 World Cup.

“Back in north London, Flores has already told Goal of his dream to become an Arsenal ‘legend’.

“And his playmaking ability and acrobatic celebrations are likely to make him a fan favourite once he inevitably breaks through at the Emirates Stadium.”

Mexico are currently third in the CONCACAF third-round qualification table, and the top three quality for Qatar 2022.

El Tri have three qualification games left, which are set to take place between 24 and 30 March.

Mexico host the United States on 24 March before facing Honduras away three days later.

Martino’s charges then wrap up qualification against El Salvador in Mexico City on 30 March.