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Arsenal Hand 16-Year-Old Marli Salmon Champions League Debut in 3-0 Win

Mikel Arteta called the cameo a planned step in Arsenal's pathway for promoting academy talent.

Overview

  • Marli Salmon, aged 16 years and 103 days, came on late for Ben White in the 3-0 victory at Club Brugge to become the sixth youngest player to feature in the Champions League.
  • Arteta said the staff expected to use Salmon and praised the academy’s preparation, noting the defender was ready to perform on the European stage.
  • According to UEFA, Salmon is the third player aged 16 or younger that Arsenal have fielded in the Champions League, following Max Dowman and Jack Wilshere.
  • Salmon’s appearance arrived before any senior domestic league or cup match for Arsenal, after earlier minutes this season with the U21s in the Football League Trophy.
  • Dowman set the competition’s youngest-ever appearance record last month at 15 years and 308 days, with Youssoufa Moukoko and Lamine Yamal among other notable teenage debutants.