Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Arsenal Hand 16-Year-Old Marli Salmon a Champions League Debut in Win at Club Brugge

Mikel Arteta said the Hale End defender was prepared for the moment and highlighted his ability to play at centre-back or full-back.

Overview

  • Salmon, 16 years and 103 days, entered late for Ben White in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory in Bruges.
  • UEFA and Opta rank him among the competition’s youngest players and note he is Arsenal’s third 16-or-under Champions League player after Jack Wilshere and Max Dowman.
  • Arteta praised the academy’s work and said the introduction was planned, citing Salmon’s readiness and versatility across the back line.
  • His Champions League appearance came before any senior domestic league or cup outing for Arsenal.
  • With multiple senior defenders unavailable, Arsenal again turned to Hale End talent, and a teammate likened Salmon to William Saliba on social media.