Arsène Wenger surprisingly included Chris Willock in Arsenal's XI on Saturday against Boreham Wood. Willock is just a 16-year-old winger.
“He’s a very young boy and I wanted him to have a run out with the big boys to see how much he has to do,” said Wenger. “But technically and tactically he integrated very well. Of course it’s natural that he lacks a bit of power at that age but when he gets that he will be a very interesting player.”
Cesc Fábregas, Jack Wilshere and Serge Gnabry were all given opportunities to press their first-team claims in pre-season friendlies at the age of 16.