Don't judge players by friendly games, they say, and yet the clash between the Gunners and Milton Keynes Dons was the first time many Arsenal fans saw several young players in action.
William Saliba made his debut for the north Londoners while recent surprise signing George Lewis was given a few minutes. In addition, there were several Arsenal Academy players for whom the clash against the League One side was the first outing for the first team.
The likes of Miguel Azeez, Ben Cottrell and Tolaji Bola all impressed but it was Mark McGuinness who outshone them all with a commanding display at the heart of the three-man defence.
🔴 What did he do?
The 19-year-old defender put in a massive performance as he read the game well, making several timely interceptions and exuding confidence despite facing a more experienced side.
He scored Arsenal's third goal with an emphatic header, connecting with Reiss Nelson's cross from a corner.
🔴 How did he rise through ranks?
Mark joined Arsenal at the age of 10 and has played for all youth categories since then. However, you can't say getting to the first team was a bed of roses for the defender.
First of all, he suffered a number of injuries that kept him away from football for extended periods of time.
Even when he was fit, McGuinness was often not selected for the Under-23 side as Freddie Ljungberg and Steve Bould preferred other players, such as Dinos Mavropanos and Zech Medley (both are now loaned-out).
🔴 What are his best skills?
As you have probably seen in the MK Dons game, heading. Apart from that, the 19-year-old is intelligent when sending passes forward and comfortable with the ball at his feet.
In addition, he knows about his strengths and weaknesses and knows what to do in order to improve.
"I’m most comfortable playing against big Troy Deeney-type strikers but have developed strategies for the smaller, nippier guys with a low centre of gravity," he told Arsenal's official in April last year, when he signed professional terms with the Gunners.
"The agility and acceleration work we do in training has helped massively but it’s also about being clever and giving yourself a little bit of room."
🔴 Any chances to see him more often this season?
With the impending arrival of Gabriel Magalhaes and the fact we have many centre-backs, it's unlikely the Irishman will get any first-team opportunities this season.
Moreover, there are question marks over his minutes for the Gunners' Under-23s side, as centre-half Jonathan Dinzeyi was recently snapped up on a free after being released by Tottenham.
Probably a loan deal could be arranged for the 19-year-old so he could get experience elsewhere.
Arteta knows there are many talents coming from Hale End:
🔴 Any other info?
Mark is a Republic of Ireland youth international. Even though he was born in London, he qualifies to represent The Boys in Green through his father who was born in Derry.
McGuinness enjoys playing golf as he was advised by the club's psychologist to take up other sports when on rehab from an injury.
Interestingly, the 19-year-old believes playing the sport favoured by Gareth Bale could help him avoid mistakes in football.
"Golf can be very frustrating because a lapse in concentration can lead to a nightmare on the course, so you have to develop to succeed," he said.
Injuries and lack of playing time at the Academy side, yet McGuinness persevered and proved his talent. Do you think the Irishman will develop into a first-team player? Tell us in the comment or through blogs!
