One Arsenal youngster has now opened up about what he learned whilst on tour in the US with Mikel Arteta’s first team squad.
Arsenal recently completed a pre-season tour of the US, which saw Mikel Arteta’s side take on Bournemouth and Manchester United in Los Angeles and Liverpool in Philadelphia.
The purpose of these matches is to allow players to build up their fitness ahead of the proper campaign, but these games also gave Arteta an opportunity to hand some first team experience to a number of the most promising talents from the club’s Hale End academy setup.
The likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, amongst others, enjoyed significant game time on the other side of the Atlantic, and will also have enjoyed mixing with the club’s senior stars, such as Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, and Ben White. Arteta encouraged his Arsenal squad to bond on this trip.
Club captain Odegaard has since reflected on the Hale Enders’ impact in the US. Now, Charles Sagoe Jr has opened up about his own experiences on the tour.
Charles Sagoe Jr. #64 of Arsenal looks during the second half against AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024 in Carson, Cal…
Charles Sagoe Jr reveals Arsenal pre-season tour work with Martin Odegaard
Sagoe Jr has already made his bow at senior level for the North London club. Last season, in an EFL Cup clash against Brentford, Arteta included the 20-year-old winger in the starting XI.
He has not been given the chance to feature for the Gunners’ first team since then though, and does not seem to be as close to making a real breakthrough into the manager’s plans as either Nwaneri or Lewis-Skelly.
However, Sagoe Jr was still included in the touring party and has now discussed the experience with the club’s official website.
He said: “When you’re with those great quality players like Martin Odegaard, it’s always good learning to take on what they’re doing day in day out and apply it to your game, especially playing top opposition like Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool.
“Watching players you see on the TV all the time in person and what they’re doing to be at the top of their game, I’ve taken loads of learnings from that trip into my game.”
Odegaard takes Arsenal mentor role seriously
As a leader within the club, Odegaard will have taken it upon himself to support the Arsenal youngsters throughout their shared time in America. The Norwegian playmaker will have been a guide for them on and off the pitch.
Odegaard has previously mentored Nwaneri in a one-on-one fashion, and clearly had plenty of advice and wisdom to share with Sagoe Jr in the States. The former Real Madrid man will also have provided an example for the youngsters to follow in terms of the standards expected at the highest level.
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