Away From Hale End

Marcelo Flores subs on in the 2nd half for Real Oviedo and makes his senior club debut, impressing with his comfortability on the ball and incisive dribbling. Folarin Balogun scores again for Reims, this time from the penalty spot as Flo puts in a masterclass in center forward play. Charlie Patino impresses in both of his appearances for Blackpool, but unfortunately picks up an ankle injury that hopefully isn't too serious. Other than those 3, Arthur Okonkwo keeps a clean sheet, Mazeed Ogungbo makes the move to center back and more!

Charlie Patino shined as bright as expected in his debut and won man of the match in his first senior start. Blackpool fans already have a song for the wonderkid, singing it loudly throughout the stands. Folarin Balogun scored in his debut cameo for Reims, showing his ability to find the back of the net with his head and looked up to the speed of senior football in a top 5 league. 11 Hale Enders total featured for their loan clubs this week, including a Harry Clarke goal, an Arthur Okonkwo clean sheet, and some sparkling displays of dribbling ability from Marcelo Flores.

Season 2 of Away From Hale End starts off with a bang! I discuss my love for this Charlie Patino loan move to Blackpool, where he'll work alongside the same manager Brooke Norton-Cuffy did last year. A chance for Patino to prove himself in the Championship and bring that energy back to Arsenal next season. Also, Folarin Balogun gets his move to Reims FC in Ligue 1 where he'll get his first consistent taste of top flight football and Marcelo Flores looked unbelievable in his friendly debut for Real Oviedo. It's not just those 3 stars, but Okonkwo and Ogungbo got their much needed loan moves, as well as Nikolaj Moller continuing to bag goals for Den Bosch in preseason. The Championship, League 1, League 2, and the Scottish Premiership and Championship have all begun, so I breakdown the performances of the likes of Alebiosu, John-Jules, and more! Huge year ahead here on Season 2 of Away From Hale End.

Kev from the Twitter handle Next Generation Arsenal (@scoutingindoors) joins Away From Hale End to discuss everything we can expect from the top Hale End products still at the club and already on loan throughout the 22/23 season. We breakdown what Patino, Walters, Norton-Cuffy, Azeez, and more should be expected to do this year and react to the shocking news of Omari Hutchinson's departure. Kev and I also discuss who might breakout in the U21 side this year and who need to figure out their futures elsewhere.

Mika Biereth has exploded in preseason with RKC Waalwijk, scoring 5 goals and adding 1 assist in just 4 games. He's already scored with both feet, his head, and from the penalty spot, as well as exhibiting his excellent link-up play skills. Biereth isn't the only one hitting the ground running on loan, as Nikolaj Moller and Omar Rekik both have scored for their loan clubs and Harry Clarke assisted a goal in his Stoke City debut. There are 7 Hale Enders on loan so far, and likely more to come. Stay tuned...

Brooke Norton-Cuffy came on in the 71st minute to help England score the winning goal and lift the trophy at the U19 European Championship. Arsenal also find loan deals for Alex Kirk and Ovie Ejeheri, as well as a permanent move for Zak Swanson. On this episode, I also break down potential pathways for other Hale End prospects and who might just make it to the 1st team this season.

Brooke Norton-Cuffy and England U19s beat Italy to make it to the finals of the European Championship. It wasn't BNC's best performance in the semi-final, but it allows for room to grow and show his mental fortitude in the next match. Also, Daniel Ballard's Burnley move turned sour and has found himself at Sunderland on a 4-year deal. Lastly, Nikolaj Moller has returned to FC Den Bosch on loan. Moller asked Arsenal to send him back there so he could find some consistency and prove his value to the club.

Brooke Norton-Cuffy is a shining star for England in the U19 European Championships. His play from right back has garnered recognition from many rival fans and scouts alike. However, not many are talking about my new fascination with Norton-Cuffy's skillset. In other news, Daniel Ballard, Tyreece John-Jules, Mika Biereth, Omar Rekik, Harry Clarke, and Jordi Osei-Tutu have found new homes. Some are permanent, and some are only temporary. Who's next?

Marcelo Flores makes his first senior competitive appearance for Mexico, Balogun and Smith Rowe secure top of the group for England U21, and Daniel Ballard continues to earn his nickname the "Duel Demon". All that and more, as our Hale End stars wrap up their international duties and get ready for preseason with Arsenal.

With 4 goal contributions between them, Emile Smith Rowe and Folarin Balogun help England qualify for the U21 European Championships. Daniel Ballard scores a goal as he made 2 starts for Northern Ireland in the UEFA Nations League, and Karl Hein saved a penalty for Estonia in that same competition. Some questions still to be asked though, like why hasn't Marcelo Flores made an appearance for Mexico yet this international break. And will Brooke Norton-Cuffy be called up for the U19 Euros? All that and more, as 11 Hale End players are called up to the represent their countries including 15-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly.