As far as debuts go, things couldn't have gone worse for Arsenal youngster Karl Hein against Brighton and Hove Albion last month.
Despite the 20-year-old being involved in the 2021/22 season first-team squad photocall alongside Bernd Leno, Aaron Ramsdale and Arthur Okonkwo, there was no forthcoming announcement of a call-up, but over the summer his promotion was quietly confirmed upon participating in the club's media day before the new campaign began.
Handed the number 31 shirt - last worn by Sead Kolasinac - three months later Hein was able to fulfill a promise he made after committing his future to the club in September 2021: "It means a lot to extend my contract with this big club, a big club in Europe, a massive club with traditions," he told Arsenal Media. "I'm very happy, very happy. My ambitions are to play for Arsenal ultimately, train hard, keep the progress going and then hopefully get my chance."
