Arsenal centre forward Kaylen Hinds proved in the FA Youth Cup semi final that he is as capable as anyone of getting into the first-team picture as early as next season.
The England youth star began the game at the Emirates Stadium just in behind no.9 Stephy Mavididi, with Reiss Nelson and Chris Willock either side of him. The three caused the experienced defenders from Manchester a nightmare, none more so than Hinds himself.
Hinds is a striker who has featured regularly for both the under-18’s and under-21’s throughout the season both in a striker role and anywhere behind, able to operate on the left, through the middle and on the right side of the three-headed attack. Not only is the teenager good at holding and running with the ball but he also has an eye for goal, showcased when he scored an impressive brace early last season up against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Youth League.
The Arsenal forward, most notably, scored against Liverpool in the FA Youth Cup sixth round to send the north London side through to face City in the semi’s.
The 18-year-old had a fascinating battle through the middle and the open nature of the game allowed him plenty of space to do what he does best – run skilfully and with pace on the ball.
Hinds’ first effort of the game came shortly after Arsenal went 1-0 up through Chris Willock, with the striker featuring in the no.10 role bursting down the right and striking the ball at goal only for it to be pushed wide for a corner. Moments later, the visitors equalised but the young Gunners didn’t give up and once again, Hinds could and arguably should have scored. The talented Jeff Reine-Adelaide – featuring from a deeper midfield position than usual, drove forward with the ball and had options left and right of him – on this occasion he played it left to Hinds whose movement was intelligent and allowed him time but his effort hit the side netting from close range. It was perhaps the moment that could have changed the tempo of the game and shifted it in Arsenal’s favour.
Despite the couple of missed opportunities, it didn’t stop the Gunners from trying and trying again and Hinds’ link-up play with Willock and Nelson was something that has been seen in the first-team as of late with Danny Welbeck and Alex Iwobi – another recent academy graduate to make it into the first-team. Their ability to find each other in the right place at the right time was impressive, if only their finishing ability was a bit better the game could have been sealed.
Hinds, at no point, disobeyed his defensive duties, however. The 18-year-old may be a centre forward by trade but clearly wanted to work as hard as possible to try and fight for victory, helping out Reine-Adelaide and Ismael Bennacer deep in midfield to ensure they were never overcrowded or exposed by the likes of Brahim Diaz and Lukas Nmecha.
Twitter: This from @kaykaymiles_ last night though… https://t.co/0NQxPVakMV #afc (@ReadArsenalFC)
A moment of brilliance came from Hinds in the second half, pushed out wide on the right and tight in a corner, intelligence, skill and pure ability helped him to wriggle his way out and create another opportunity for his teammates.
Although the under-18’s couldn’t quite manage victory, there were a vast number of positives to note from the game, none more so than Hinds himself. Manchester City were clearly the better team but in terms of individual performances, the home side were far superior.
Hinds’ willingness to be fearless on the ball and drive at opposition defenders but also aid his teammates on the defensive side of things is something that no one bar Joel Campbell offers in the first-team. When pushed out wide, Hinds helped right-back Chiori Johnson on a number of occasions to nullify any threat of a two-on-one situation, while he was more than happy to link up with his teammates and drop deep to collect the ball.
The England youth international’s future may not be at centre forward but with Arsene Wenger watching over and willing to promote young players into the first-team, Hinds could quickly find himself in amongst the competitive football before he knows it.
