Arsenal loan watch: Charlie Patino stars for Blackpool vs PNE
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Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino produced his best performance in a Blackpool shirt yesterday as they beat rivals Preston North End in the Championship.
The 19-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best upcoming graduates in the Gunners ranks. He certainly appears to be enjoying his loan stint with Blackpool.
The teenager has been a regular starter since his return from an ankle injury and saved his best performance against Preston with two key goal contributions.
Patino bagged Blackpool’s second goal (2-1) in the 4-2 win with a shot into the bottom left corner from outside the box in the 68th minute.
Nine minutes from time, he delivered a lovely hung up cross for Jerry Yates’ eighth goal of the campaign via a header at the near post.
Aside from his goal involvements, Patino won an impressive three tackles and made four interceptions.
The only drawback was his passing accuracy which was 39 per cent, but this was a one-off as he has generally averaged above 70 per cent.
Patino definitely has a huge future ahead. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be hoping that he can make the most of his season-long loan stint.
The Gunners are looking for another quality number eight in their squad. Patino has the chance to break into Arteta’s plans for next season.
Arsenal have the option to recall him in January and it remains to be seen whether that happens.
The youngster’s current deal expires next summer but the club have the option for another two years.
Stats from WhoScored.com