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‘Tony Adams vibe’, ‘Mertesacker replacement’: Some Arsenal fans in awe of 19-year-old’s EFL Trophy display

Giuseppe Labellarte

Wed 9 September 2020 11:15, UK

A number of Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter to praise Gunners academy ace Mark McGuinness following his display in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.

Arsenal Under-21s took on Ipswich at Portman Road, the hosts taking the lead as Alan Judge worked the ball across the box for Jon Nolan to turn home from close range.

However, the young Gunners – with an average age of just 18 years and six months – rallied round to get back in the game and eventually come out on top.

George Lewis equalised for the visitors on his Arsenal U21 debut, before Folarin Balogun latched on to Ben Cottrell’s through-ball and beat David Cornell with a great finish.

McGuinness, the Gunners U21 captain, looked solid as always at centre-back, winning aerial duels and showing great composure in challenges.

As a result, the 19-year-old came in for some big praise during and after the game on social media:

The youth last season or two seem so more aggressive and not in a youth lul. Seeing so many players actually getting chances in the first team at Arsenal must be so refreshing and helping that drive seeing a stepping stone actually possible!

— Chris (@PieAFC87)

A very promising player..so much pace and agility…I admire him

— FRANKĪĒ ™️ (@frankiie_4k)

Immense performance. Looked completely dominant and comfortable.

— Usismama (@Usismamayo)

We’ve found per matesacker replacement already

— dj_whyzeal (@dj_whyzeal)

This guy is good

— Smart_arsene (@ArseneSmart)

Love this guy ☘️

— Smokey💨 (@ltzSmokey_)

Mark McDijk

— Aiden (@GoonerAiden)

He gives me a Tony Adams vibed

— ruel (@ruelando)

The Irish VVD confirmed

— Know ball (@FearTheGunners)

McGuinness has come through the ranks at Arsenal and penned his first professional contract in April 2019.

He impressed in the pre-season win over MK Dons, heading home powerfully from a Reiss Nelson corner en route to a 4-1 win.