Per Mertesacker on Developing Arsenal’s Future Stars: Nurturing Talent from U8 to First Team

As Arsenal continues to showcase its homegrown talents, Per Mertesacker, the academy manager, shares his philosophy on player development, character-building, and the changing dynamics of youth recruitment in an Interview with Art de Roché of The Athletic. Through this holistic approach, he aims to instill values that lay a solid foundation, guiding players from their formative years to potential first-team glory.

Building Character from the Ground Up

For Mertesacker, it’s not just skill but character that defines a player’s potential. This philosophy becomes evident in his emphasis on the values of respect, humility, and discipline. Mertesacker states, “Football talent gets you in the building… but it’s the person or character that makes it on a consistent basis that sets the ceiling.” This mindset prioritizes qualities that transcend the pitch and contribute to a player’s overall growth as a professional.

Mertesacker’s approach is mirrored in his recruitment practices at Arsenal. He explains that while football ability might attract scouts, it is character that keeps players progressing. Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly embody this ideal, having spent almost a decade at Arsenal, with their recent debuts symbolizing the academy’s impact on the first team.

In Mertesacker’s words, “Under-9 really builds the foundation of your team going forward.” The early focus on recruiting and nurturing players from as young as U8 level aligns with his belief that “resources go” towards those formative years. Such efforts allow Arsenal to develop talent within a structured environment, presenting opportunities for players to grow holistically. For parents, Mertesacker tempers expectations, highlighting that while their child’s journey may start with Arsenal, only a select few will reach the first-team ranks.

Flexibility in Positioning: Adapting to Arsenal’s First Team

Arsenal’s academy has consistently produced versatile players, and Mertesacker views positional flexibility as a cornerstone of player development. He stresses, “Flexibility is huge and every debut is going to be different.” For instance, Ethan Nwaneri has played across multiple creative roles, and Lewis-Skelly has been tested as a left-back—each experience adding layers to their skill sets.

The notion of adaptability within Arsenal’s academy is not just a practical approach; it’s also strategic. Mertesacker points out that players like Nwaneri are developed with “pocket areas” in mind, a position crucial to Arsenal’s tactical style under Mikel Arteta. This tactical foresight enables young players to fit seamlessly into the first team, aligning their development with Arsenal’s evolving gameplay. For Lewis-Skelly, this approach has paid dividends; Arteta himself describes him as a “special” character who integrates effortlessly into the senior squad dynamics.

Such versatility is a testament to Arsenal’s structured training system, where players are exposed to various roles to foster adaptability and resilience. Mertesacker believes this adaptability allows players to seize unexpected opportunities, as he did in his own career, where his debut unexpectedly found him in the right-back position.

Managing Expectations: Coping with the Highs and Lows

Mertesacker is keenly aware of the challenges that accompany early exposure to first-team football. Arsenal’s recent Carabao Cup clash against Bolton saw four academy players making their debuts, a proud moment for the academy yet a potential source of pressure for young players. Mertesacker says, “It’s probably the aftermath, (seeing) if they’ve understood everything we say to them because we cannot replicate an experience like this.” The rollercoaster of emotions that follows a first-team appearance demands psychological resilience, a quality that Arsenal works to instill early on.

To ensure that young players can handle these pressures, Arsenal maintains an environment that encourages learning from both successes and setbacks. Mertesacker emphasizes that moving between the U18s and first-team duties is a process designed to help players adapt to the demands of professional football without losing sight of the journey’s ups and downs. His philosophy reflects a balanced approach, recognizing that while a first-team debut is a major milestone, it’s just one step in a long career.

Jack Porter’s unexpected debut as Arsenal’s youngest goalkeeper highlights this. With only 24 hours’ notice, Porter’s achievement speaks volumes about the confidence Arsenal places in its young talents. Mertesacker’s role here is crucial; he ensures players understand that such experiences while exhilarating, must be followed by a return to their foundational work with the academy. This balanced approach prepares them for the demanding journey of professional football.

Changing Landscape of Youth Recruitment

The changing landscape of youth recruitment poses both challenges and opportunities for Arsenal. Brexit has impacted the academy’s traditional approach, reducing access to European talent and emphasizing local recruitment. Mertesacker explains, “Once Brexit was there, it restricted movement of European talent coming here to London Colney…so domestic recruitment is more important.” This shift has reshaped Arsenal’s strategy, with the club now intensifying its search within London and other domestic talent pools.

While this has limited Arsenal’s scope internationally, it has also strengthened its focus on London’s rich footballing talent. Competing with clubs like Tottenham, Chelsea, and West Ham, Arsenal has to be proactive in securing young players. Brayden Clarke’s journey is an example of this revised approach. Recruited from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Clarke has thrived in his roles within Arsenal’s U18, U19, and U21 squads, exemplifying the academy’s commitment to developing homegrown talent.

This pivot has also led to an adjustment in recruitment practices for the U9 group. Arsenal, capped at signing 30 players, strategically recruits around 20 to form balanced groups that foster camaraderie and focused development. In Mertesacker’s view, “Under-9 is almost the most important age group,” as it lays the foundation for the players’ journey at Arsenal. With London’s fierce competition for talent, Arsenal’s revised recruitment focus allows it to leverage local connections, aligning with the club’s history of developing and showcasing British talent.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Per Mertesacker’s holistic approach, focusing on character as much as skill, is a breath of fresh air and a testament to Arsenal’s commitment to producing well-rounded players. The sight of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly donning the Arsenal shirt in the Carabao Cup wasn’t just a win for the academy but a moment of immense pride for supporters who cherish the “Arsenal way” of nurturing talent.

Mertesacker’s commitment to character development resonates with supporters who value humility, resilience, and the club’s distinctive culture. In an era where clubs often rely on expensive transfers, Arsenal’s focus on homegrown talent serves as a beacon of tradition. Watching these young guns evolve on the pitch, fans can anticipate a future where players like Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, and Clarke become central figures in the first team.

With Mertesacker’s influence, the academy has become more than just a training ground; it’s a nurturing space that instills Arsenal’s values and philosophies. Supporters can be optimistic that, under his guidance, the next generation of Arsenal stars will not only be skilled but also embody the spirit that makes Arsenal unique.