Elton Monteiro Almada

Date of Birth: 22/02/1994
Height: 192cm (6’4)
Former Club: FC Sion
Position: Centre Back

Able to dominate games physically, Young Guns describe Elton Monteiro as a “giant and imposing defender who has a great turn of pace and is solid in the air”.

And football certainly runs in the family for Monteiro, his cousin Gelson Fernandes having already played in the Premier League for Manchester City, currently plying his trade at Chievo in Italy. Like Fernandes, Monteiro has roots in Cape Verde that he is fiercely proud of and says he wants to apply for citizenship “one day” but also “dreams” of playing for Switzerland as his cousin does. But for now the teenager is focused on forging a club career for himself.

A man-mountain of a 16 year old, it’s very easy to see how he attracted the eye of visiting scouts at FC Sion when his side took part in an Under 15 tournament in 2009. Offers for the then 15 year old came thick and fast, and he soon grabbed at the chance for a trial at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground but he was left disappointed, saying that “frankly, I didn’t feel at ease”.

Arsenal had made their interest known at this stage and so he came to England again, this time leaving with a far more positive impression.

“I went to visit the facilities. I went back several times, I even played a friendly match. I felt that I was wanted there more than I was in Manchester”, he recalls.

While in London he had the opportunity to speak with Phillippe Senderos and Johan Djourou, who encouraged the youngster to move to the Gunners.

“They advised me to accept the offer and assured me that everything was available [at Arsenal] to progress in the best conditions.

I also had interest from other countries, but it is England that tempted me. Leaving Sion so young wasn’t my aim. It’s just an opportunity that presented itself. I feel that with the infrastructure available to Arsenal and the higher level of play, the conditions are here to progress faster than in Switzerland.”

He was officially made an Arsenal player in late February when he turned 16, moving into digs with Martin Angha just as the likes of Cesc Fabregas have done before him.

And the starlet certainly now looks to be taking full advantage of his move. After a quiet first six months with the club, Monteiro is beginning to assert himself for the Under 18s, performing admirably despite a poor start to the season by Steve Bould’s side.

“I think Elton Monteiro at the back looks a very good young prospect I have to say”, the Academy coach said. “For me he was probably our best player again today [against Sunderland] and he was probably our best player last week as well.”

High praise indeed from an Arsenal legend who knows all about becoming a successful centre back. And under the watchful eye of Bould there’s every chance that Elton Monteiro may just find himself achieving his own dream of playing in the Premier League in the future.

Martin Angha-Lötscher

Date of Birth: 22/01/1994
Height: 185cm (6’2)
Former Club: FC Zurich
Position: Centre Back, Right Back

Martin Angha is arguably the brightest of the three Swiss talents at the Arsenal Academy, and the tall central defender who combines poise on the ball with strength off it is very quickly making his way up the footballing ladder at London Colney. In playing style he describes himself as being a mixture of Cristiano Ronaldo (the technique), John Terry (the organisation) and Rio Ferdinand (the temperament). “They’re are all world stars, which I still can not really compare [myself to]! But it is good to aim high…”

Martin Angha’s association with the Gunners began, oddly enough, with a cup game against an Arsenal youth team in 2008, when the young centre back was just 14 years old. It was a semi-final in Wil in Switzerland and by its conclusion there was only one name the watching scouts were after, Angha having starred throughout before winning the game for his side with a stunning free kick.

Fast forward three weeks and Angha was on a flight to England for a trial with the Gunners. It took just one day of training with Steve Bould’s Under 18s for them to know they had a gem on their hands.

“I trained with the Under 18s there immediately,” he recalls. “On the first day the coach said that they would like to keep me.

A transfer within Switzerland was never in question, but a switch to my dream club Arsenal – that is something else.

I like it anywhere where you can play football, but if you’ve got the opportunity to develop at one of the world’s best clubs, at a team like Arsenal which has such a prominent reputation in youth coaching, then of course that’s a dream come true for any young player.”

Always modest and often full of enthusiasm, Angha has admitted he was more than a little nervous ahead of his trial at Arsenal.

“I played and trained with Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Kyle Bartley who are giants now, and were giants then, and a couple of years older than me! I did wonder whether I would be able to do enough to impress on my trial.

Everyone helped me settle in and I was asked to join, which was fantastic news.”

Compensation with FC Zurich was agreed and in January this year he travelled to England again, this time with a permanent stay in mind.

His first few weeks at the club didn’t go as he had hoped though, damaging knee ligaments in his debut appearance for the U16s against Portsmouth. But he soon bounced back and remarkably found himself picked by reserve coach Neil Banfield on a handful of occasions before the season was out. Now with a full pre-season under his belt, the hugely talented teenager will look to become a key figure for Steve Bould’s Under 18 side as well as continue to make progress in the reserves in the coming season.

And one thing is for sure, there is no place the 16 year old would rather be than the boyhood club he finds himself at. With that in mind, offers from Chelsea and Manchester United were never going to tempt the Swiss youth international away from signing for the Gunners.

“It has always been a dream for me to play for Arsenal and so signing for the Gunners is the first step to realising it.

I used to play as a striker when I was younger and Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp were my favourite players and Patrick Vieira was another I really looked up to, so Arsenal became my team.

It was flattering that other teams wanted me to join them, but Arsenal was really my only choice.”

It may have been an unlikely victory but it wasn’t a fluke. There is a rich vein of talent starting to be unearthed in the country, with talented Swiss teenagers beginning to appear in the youth systems of many of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist is at Aston Villa while Man City picked up defender Frederic Veseli. The star of the World Cup campaign and Silver Ball winner Nassim Ben Khalifa was snapped up by Bundesliga club VFL Wolfsburg. Seferovic, the man who scored the goal in the final against the hosts Nigeria, is now playing his football at Fiorentina and midfielder Pajtim Kasami has had spells at Lazio and Liverpool already before finding himself at Palermo this season.

And as you’d expect of a club that prides itself on the ability to give youth a chance, Arsenal themselves have no less than three starlets from central Europe hoping to be a part of Switzerland’s exciting future – Martin Angha, Elton Monteiro and Sead Hajrovic. This article, the first of three looking at Arsenal’s Swiss trio, will focus on Sead Hajrovic.

Sead Hajrovic

Date of birth: 04/06/1993
Height: 181cm (5’11)
Former Club: Grasshopper Zurich
Position: Centre Back, Right Back

The only one of the three signings to have been a part of the U17 World Cup winning side in Nigeria, Hajrovic was the first of the Swiss starlets to arrive at Arsenal. Stocky and powerful, the fact he was over 6 months younger than any of the Swiss U17 side speaks volumes about just how highly rated the defender is in his home country.

Hajrovic, of Bosnian descent, appeared in six of his side’s 7 games at the tournament, only missing the quarter-final through suspension after the starlet was dismissed in an extra-time win over Germany.

He was first noticed by the Gunners in 2006 and the English side continued to keep tabs on him as he progressed through the ranks at Grasshopper, with even chief scout Steve Rowley choosing to watch him on occasion before finally sealing the transfer last year shortly after his 16th birthday.

Up until that point Hajrovic had followed the path of his older brother Izet, starting to play football at local club FC Birr before moving to FC Windisch. Then Izet was spotted by Grasshopper and Sead found himself without a club before he tried out for the Zurich-based club in an effort to play alongside Izet once again. He was quickly accepted and never looked back.

Talking about his big move to Arsenal, Hajrovic cited Johan Djourou and Phillippe Senderos as the inspiration behind his move to England at such a young age.

“With me there was an ambition to go after something better, something more difficult. Then the contact with Arsenal intensified and I looked at players like Djourou and Senderos who dared [to move abroad] and now I’ve done the same.

If I could play in the first team at a club like Arsenal one of my biggest dreams would be fulfilled. I give 100% every day so that I can achieve these goals.

A year on, Hajrovic is yet to feature for the Under 18s this term having picked up an injury in his debut season, where he struggled at times but made 14 appearances as Steve Bould’s side went on to win the Academy League once again. He also broke in to the reserve side on 3 occasions, something he’ll be looking to build upon when he returns to action.

Described as an aggressive tackler, Hajrovic sees his future as a centre back but insists he can play elsewhere, having played in midfield for his national side and been used as a right back for the Gunners several times.

I feel most comfortable in central defence. But there are also other positions that I like. For example, the coach at the World Cup played me in midfield, because I had a good game overview. But central defender is already the best position for me.

He says that he models his game on Chelsea captain John Terry, although he’s quick to deny being a fan of the Blues after his move to their London rivals. Predictably he instead states that Barcelona are his favourite club, a poster of the Spanish giants taking pride of place on his wall.

But there is a rather less predictable side to this talented teenager. Called up to the Swiss Under 17 side ahead of the European Championships last year, Hajrovic instead decided to remain at home in order to concentrate on his school exams, saying that being successful at school was “important” and confidently claiming that “a chance in a major tournament would probably come again”.

Less than a year later he was a world champion.

As with each new term, all eyes were on how the latest selection would do as many made the step up from last seasons successful U17 side and they weren’t disappointed as the young Lions comfortably dispatched their opposition with goals in each half from Liverpool duo Michael Ngoo and Jonjo Shelvey.

Noel Blake’s team dominated the game from start to finish in the international friendly and a goal in the 16th minute after Ross Barkley set up Ngoo score on his debut was no less than they deserved.

They continued to create chances but had to wait until the 72nd minute before doubling their advantage, former Charlton Athletic starlet Shelvey stepping up to curl home a free kick from 25 yards to seal the win.

This was their only opportunity to train together ahead of the European Championship qualifiers next month as they look to progress from a group containing Cyprus, Albania and Belgium and Blake declared himself delighted with the performance after the game.

“The victory is one thing, and that’s always a good start for a new year group. But I was absolutely delighted with the performance from start to finish.

I thought we controlled the tempo of the game and scored two very good goals but I was most pleased with our passing and our game management in particular.

That’s something we’ve spoken about a lot and it really pleased me, so it’s good food for thought from the first game.”

Arsenal’s Benik Afobe amd Nico Yennaris also made their debuts for the U19s, appearing as second half substitutes, and will hope they have done enough to assure themselves of a place in next month’s squad.

It started so full of hope, with the astute purchase of Chamakh being followed up by a typical Wenger signing in the form of Koscielny. Squillaci’s arrival was also a welcome one, giving the defence a necessary makeover. A ‘keeper then, and Arsenal could be counted as serious title challengers once more.

But as the time slowly moved towards the transfer deadline that goalkeeper, astonishingly, never arrived. And on that decision rests the hopes of our season once more. That final hurdle suddenly looks harder to clear.

To fall so painfully short in the transfer market once again is, in my eyes, inexcusable. Wenger clearly believed Fulham would eventually find a replacement for Mark Schwarzer and allow the Australian to join the Gunners, but the price of that gamble could prove the difference between first and third place.

Instead we must rely on Manuel Almunia, a player who must surely know that his manager no longer trusts him as his first choice, yet is forced to turn to him out of necessity. What effect does that have on a player mentally? Only the coming months will answer that question.

Of course, that’s not to say this summer has been a failure. A shake up in the defence was much needed and in Mikael Silvestre, Sol Campbell and William Gallas we have got rid of three players whose best days are far behind them. Laurent Koscielny looks to be a player who will soon adjust to the Premier League, while Sebastien Squillaci will provide experienced cover and, at 30 years old, is hardly past his peak.

As Wenger so often points out, the benefit of having such a young team is there’s a noticeable improvement in each season that passes. And the midfield will reap the rewards of such an approach this year, with Samir Nasri seeming particularly sharp and Jack Wilshere providing another option in central areas. Out wide Theo Walcott has started in sparkling form and when he’s on song his pace really can prove to be the difference.

Effectively trading Eduardo for Chamakh is a wonderful piece of business as well. I, like so many Arsenal fans, was sad to see the Croatian international move on from the Emirates but it was the right thing to do. Marouane Chamakh fits the 4-3-3 formation perfectly and his athletic and hard working approach to the game makes him becoming a fans favourite in North London a question of when rather than if.

So plenty to still be positive about then, but in failing to fix the goalkeeping problem has Wenger ensured we’ll be nearly-men yet again?

He became an Arsenal player in July last summer following a successful trial at the club amid unusual media hype for a player who was just 15 years old at the time. But Edge believes that he hasn’t been fazed by the attention he received at the time.

“I suppose there was a little bit of pressure because of the publicity and the expectation. However, I was not worried about that because I knew Arsenal would improve me and I have confidence in my own ability.

The step up from playing in a League Two set-up to one the most respected academies in the world has been a big one and the 16 year old feels that he is developing at a fast pace as a result.

“There is a big difference in the football that I was used to with Cheltenham Town and the football we play at the Arsenal.” he explained.

“The game is quicker with a much, much greater emphasis on passing, but I feel that I have improved a lot since joining Arsenal. The reason is not only because of the quality of the coaching and facilities, but also because of the quality of players I train and play with and play against.

I am working very hard on my fitness and Craig Gant (Academy Fitness Coach) has been a big factor in bringing my game on.”

The teenager started the first U18 game of the season on Saturday in a holding midfield role as Bould’s side crashed to a heavy 5-2 defeat, but as he adjusts to the standard of football at Academy level Edge hopes he can push on into the more experienced Youth Cup side.

“I know I have come on a lot technically and I am looking to continue that so I can become a regular in the Under-18s and perhaps get into the FA Youth Cup team.”

The central defender officially completed the switch from Spain this morning for an undisclosed fee thought to be in the region of £5m and the French international is delighted to be in England.

“I am very proud and very happy to be at this big club. For me it is one of the best European clubs around with a great history.

My first impressions are very positive too, I visited the training ground which is beautiful and the pitches here are great as well. I look forward to training with my team mates and I look forward to playing for Arsenal.”

Squillaci also cited Arsene Wenger as one of the main reasons behind moving to the club and is looking forward to working under the long-serving Arsenal manager.

“I don’t know [Wenger] very well personally even though I’ve met him many times during matches with the French national team.

But Arsene Wenger has a great reputation in the football world, and in the world generally really. He’s been very important for French football and he’s done very well with Arsenal as well, we all know that, and so I’ve got great respect for him. I’m very happy to work for a coach such as him.

To work with him is very important to me and so it’s a great pleasure, really, to be trained by a coach like him.

The Frenchman, who has 21 caps for his country, is well known for his no-nonsense approach to the game and he believes this will help him to adapt to the English style.

“I enjoy the duels, I think it’s one of my qualities and here in England there are many duels on the pitch and it’s good to respond in a physical way.

I’ve played in France, I’ve played in Spain for two years, I’ve played internationals and I’ve played in the Champions League, I’m 30 and I have a bit of experience as well. Now I’m going to discover a new league and I’ve played against English teams before, like Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool, so I think I know what to expect.

Because of that experience in different leagues I do have an advantage [in adapting]. That experience can only be an advantage really.”

Squillaci won’t be involved in tomorrow’s game against Blackburn due to lack of match fitness but could now make his debut for the Gunners versus Bolton Wanderers following the international break as he looks to help his new side to success in the new season.

“It’s a very difficult league but when you play for Arsenal you play for titles and you play for trophies.

It’s very difficult to be the champions [in England] and that’s why that ambition has to be within you. Arsenal are a very well respected team who qualify for the Champions League every year so why not be at the top?”

The loan deal taking the 17 year old to Spain was agreed earlier this summer but problems with his paperwork had delayed the move until now.

As with Mexican star Carlos Vela and more recently Brazilian wing-back Pedro Botelho, his stay at Salamanca will help his adaptation to European football as he looks to prepare himself for his switch to Arsenal at a later date. The Gunners sealed the signing of the former Real America player following a trial at the club in January.

Before leaving Bolivia Samuel Galindo emphasised the importance of the spell in Spain to prepare him for his move to England.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to gain confidence before playing at a team as important as Arsenal, who are important figures in world football.”

He also took the chance to congratulate the Bolivian Under 15 side who recently clinched gold at the Singapore Youth Olympic games, with his brother Pedro Galindo playing as a goalkeeper for the champions.

“That kind of tournament can show the conditions that you have and I wish all the players the best [in the future].”

Samuel Galindo will wear the number 16 shirt at Salamanca when he is officially announced in the coming days.

The loss was no less than the Gunners deserved after a bitterly disappointing star to the campaign and former Arsenal centre back Bould was quick to emphasise the importance of adjusting to U18 football as quickly as possible as he spoke to Arsenal TV Online after the game.

“Well it was very, very poor. And it’s a lesson that I think the kids have learned – that you have to first and foremost run about and work. I think it was a wake-up call to what professional football is.

I think there’s one or two still in the schoolboy stage and it’s been a bit easy for them and they have to compete and we didn’t compete really. I hope they’ve learnt their lesson, I’ve just spoken to them to say that it’s a harsh environment, football, and you have to win games.

Not that the result is what we’re after and it’s about development but we just didn’t perform and I think one or two have had it a bit easy in their careers at times and teams have laid down and folded but the next level is a little bit harder than that.

The big disappointment was that we gave up the ghost. I know we scored two at the end but they weren’t great goals and it could have been six or seven and a real embarassment.”

With only Jernade Meade and Sean McDermott the only 17 year olds in the side, Bould recognises that this is a team that can only develop as the season goes on as they adjust to Academy football.

“Yeah of course [there's belief in the players]. We’re a fairly young team, I don’t know what the make-up of the Man City team was but that’s mostly first years there [for us] and we struggled a little bit.

We’re hoping that as it goes on and they realise what it’s all about that we’ll improve and we’ve certainly got to improve on that.”

The Gunners will now host Sunderland’s youth team on Saturday as they look to bounce back with a win against the well-respected Academy from the north-east.

The brother of one of the most highly rated teenagers in world football in Romelu Lukaku, Jordan is already in the spotlight of the Belgian media despite only turning 16 last month.

But despite catching the eye of a side renowned for their youth policy in Arsenal, Jordan’s father Roger Lukaku believes that remaining in Belgium is probably the best choice of path for his younger son.

“I have heard of interest from over there for a while, but no more than that. His manager has good contacts at Arsenal. If they are really interested, we will be hearing from them directly.

There are also a few German sides who have already shown interest. But I do not think this is an issue. We will look at the situation with Jordan, his manager and myself. I think he’s pretty happy at Anderlecht to develop as Romelu has done.”

Mostly playing as a left winger for the Anderlecht youth sides, at national level he often drops deeper to left back instead, where his strength helps him stand out from the rest. As his father explains:

“Jordan and Romelu are two totally different types of players” he tells Nieuws Blad. “Jordan is perhaps less the real killer. But when he plays as a left forward, he still scores quite regularly. Sometimes the coach pushes him to left back, because he thinks Jordan finds playing so far forward too easy.

[Jordan has] more finesse [than his brother]. He is extremely fast with the ball at his feet. ”

The co-ordinator for the Belgian national teams, Marc van Geersom, agrees with this description.

“Jordan is more technical than his brother at that age,” he explained. “[But] on the physical plane, he is still inferior. The question is how will he develop?”

At the moment it appears that the watching European giants are simply monitoring his progress but with his older brother’s example to follow and a father to keep his feet firmly on the ground, here is another Lukaku football fans might be hearing a lot more about in the coming seasons.