London, UK – In the illustrious history of Arsenal Football Club, Hale End has always been the breeding ground for exceptional talent. From legends like Tony Adams, Cesc Fabregas, and Ashley Cole to the current generation of stars like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, the club’s youth system has consistently nurtured and rewarded young players.
Adding to this legacy is the promising 18-year-old talent, Amario Cozier-Duberry. Since joining Arsenal’s academy in 2019, Cozier-Duberry has been earmarked as the next big talent to emerge from Hale End.
The Making of Amario Cozier-Duberry
A lifelong Gooner, Cozier-Duberry’s journey began at Sunday League side Chettle Court Rangers FC in London during his primary school days. After an impressive performance helped his team win an Under-15 tournament, he was offered a 10-week trial at Arsenal.
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Impressing the coaching staff during his trial, Cozier-Duberry was officially integrated into the Hale End setup for two years. It was during this time that his versatility as a player caught the eye. Similar to Saka’s early days, Cozier-Duberry showcased his skills both as an attacking midfielder and a wing-back.
At the age of 16, Cozier-Duberry made his debut in the Under-18 Premier League in the 2020-21 season. Despite limited appearances, he managed to score a goal and provide an assist, showcasing his immense potential. The following season, under the guidance of former Hale End graduate and renowned youth coach Jack Wilshere, Cozier-Duberry truly came into his own.
A Breakthrough Season and International Recognition
During the 2021-22 campaign, Cozier-Duberry featured prominently in the U-18 Premier League, FA Youth Cup, and the Premier League 2 Division 1 for Arsenal. His contribution was significant, with an impressive tally of four goals and four assists in 25 appearances. His performances caught the attention of England’s national setup, and he received a call-up to the Under-16 side. Making his international debut against Wales, Cozier-Duberry marked the occasion with a goal, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star.
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Signing His First Professional Contract
Recognizing his consistent progress and immense potential, Arsenal rewarded Cozier-Duberry with his first professional contract in June 2022. Speaking about his achievement, the ambitious youngster expressed his gratitude, saying, “Being at Arsenal is a dream come true. My aim is to follow in the footsteps of players like Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, and Emile Smith Rowe. They have shown that a pathway to the first team exists for players from Hale End.”
The 2022-23 Season: Stepping Up to the Challenge
Last season was monumental for both Arsenal’s first team, which emerged as title contenders, and Cozier-Duberry. The 18-year-old showcased his versatility by playing as a right-winger in 24 matches and as a left-winger in six matches. Across the EFL Trophy, FA Youth Cup, and the Premier League 2 Division 1, he impressed with his contributions of 12 goals and 8 assists. Particularly notable was his performance in the FA Youth Cup, where he scored five goals and provided three assists, guiding his team to the finals.
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The Pre-Season US Tour: A Platform to Shine
As Arsenal embarked on a pre-season tour of the United States, Cozier-Duberry was selected as the only academy player in the squad. This presents a golden opportunity for the 18-year-old to catch the eye of manager Mikel Arteta and stake his claim for a place in the upcoming 2023-24 campaign.
With Reiss Nelson and Nicolas Pepe absent, the right-wing position is up for grabs, and Cozier-Duberry has a chance to make a strong case for himself. The US tour kicked off with a match against a Wayne Rooney-led MLS All-Star side in Washington DC, and Cozier-Duberry was eager to prove his worth.
The Hale End prodigy stepped onto the pitch with confidence, displaying his technical ability, pace, and dribbling skills. Throughout the game, he constantly looked to take on defenders, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. His intelligent movement and understanding of the game were evident as he made incisive runs and linked up well with his fellow attackers.
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In the 35th minute, Cozier-Duberry showcased his versatility by drifting in from the right-wing and playing a perfectly weighted through ball to a teammate, who calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper to give Arsenal the lead. The assist was a testament to his vision and ability to contribute to the team’s attacking play.
As the game progressed, Cozier-Duberry continued to impress with his work rate and defensive contributions. He tracked back diligently, putting in tackles and interceptions to regain possession for his team. His willingness to put in the hard yards and contribute defensively highlighted his commitment to the team’s cause.
Despite Arsenal eventually losing the match, Cozier-Duberry’s performance stood out. His ability to adapt to different positions and make an impact on the game was commendable. The coaching staff and fans were left impressed by his potential and the maturity he displayed on the field.
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Manager Mikel Arteta, who has been known to give opportunities to young players, praised Cozier-Duberry’s performance after the match. “Amario showed great promise today. He displayed his versatility and ability to make a difference in the final third. We will continue to monitor his progress closely and provide him with the necessary opportunities to develop,” said Arteta.
As the pre-season tour continues, Cozier-Duberry will have more chances to showcase his skills and stake his claim for a place in the first team. With his talent, dedication, and the guidance of the coaching staff at Hale End, there is no doubt that he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors and become a key player for Arsenal in the future.
The journey of Amario Cozier-Duberry is still in its early stages, but the signs are promising. With his versatility, technical ability, and determination, he has all the ingredients to become the next star to emerge from Arsenal’s Hale End academy. As the young winger continues to grow and develop, Arsenal fans can look forward to seeing him make his mark on the Premier League and fulfill his potential as one of the club’s brightest prospects.
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