Arsenal prodigy Charlie Patino has earned glowing praise from Mick McCarthy after his impressive performance against Premier League side Southampton. The Gunners loanee scored a consolation goal for Blackpool in Saturday's 2-1 FA Cup exit at St Mary's.
The 19-year-old was in the right place at the right time to grab his fifth goal contribution this season, continuing his remarkable breakout season in the Football League. Patino is highly-rated back in north London, with the Gunners activating the two-year extension within his contract amid intense interest from Barcelona.
Last season, Patino marked his senior debut with a goal in the EFL Cup against Sunderland. Despite only featuring once more for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has previously been full of praise for the teenager. "He is a kid that is coming through our system, a lovely kid," the Gunners boss said.
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"He is training with us almost every week. It was a dream. As a debut to come here, to score in front of our fans, a really special moment."
A loan move to the Championship was sanctioned in the summer to expose Patino to the physicality of the league and he's adjusted as expected. A constant presence in Blackpool's midfield, the Gunners loanee has been tipped to be Granit Xhaka's successor in the future at the Emirates Stadium upon his return.
Following Michael Appleton's dismissal at Blackpool, veteran McCarthy was appointed and there were concerns over how the former Wolves and Sunderland manager would utilise the talent. However, the Arsenal prospect has proved his worth immediately with an impressive performance versus Southampton.
After the game, McCarthy spoke highly of the midfielder and highlighted a key attribute of his play. "He has a right go at it, Charlie," McCarthy told the Athletic. "He's a young man and sometimes he doesn't always get it right.
"He might press and get played past, but in the first half, he lost it in front of us about 20 yards into their half and won it back in the 18-yard box at the other side of the pitch. I said, 'If you can do that, you'll do for me'.
"The willingness to do it is great. I've loved working with him for the last few days, he's going to be a very good player."
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