Wilshere tips Rwandan teenager Mugabo for future at Arsenal

ENGLAND AND ARSENAL Jack Wilshere has tipped Rwanda teenage prodigy Alfred Mugabo to light up The Emirates in the next few years.The England international, who came through the ranks at the club having first been spotted as a nine year old in his native Stevenage, yesterday tweeted: “Watch out for this young lad at Arsenal. #decent.”Mugabo, 17, is currently in Arsenal’s squad for U19. Although he has not yet earned a cap for the senior team, the lad got his first call-up for Rwanda in the youth squad while still only 15.Information on Arsenal’s website indicate that Mugabo is as adept across the back four as he is in central midfield.The UK’s Daily Mail, yesterday, said the teenage footballer, whose Twitter profile is brief, thus: “In front or the back 4”, compares his style of play to that of first-team star Abou Diaby and says Barcelona star Xavi is his favourite player of all time. “I’m strong, powerful and versatile,” the Daily Mail quoted Mugabo as saying of himself. Mugabo went to the UK with his family when he was two years old—he still has family back here Rwanda, though. He joined the Gunners at Under 13s having first become aware of his own ability when he was selected for his school’s year six team while he was still in year three.Mugabo played for Rwanda, at 15 years of age, in the U17 World Championships last year in Mexico. Most recently, he was part of the Gunners’ U19 side that lost in the NextGen Series tournament.The good news for the teenage footballer is that Arsenal tactician Arsene Wenger is still regarded one of the best soccer managers in the world in grooming youngsters. This leaves his prospects at the North London club high, and seeing Wilshere’s praise, one cannot doubt what the country will have in his talents.

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Wilshere tips Rwandan teenager Mugabo for future at Arsenal