Highly-rated Arsenal loanee Charlie Patino has received a glowing report from boss Michael Appleton following his performance against Sunderland in the Championship.
The 18-year-old midfielder was sent on loan to the Tangerines, and they promptly fell in love with him for his tenacious performances, and his return from injury has been welcomed by the club.
Big point last night and great fighting spirit 💪🏼@BlackpoolFC fans were amazing again! 🍊
We keep improving 🟠⚪️ #UTMP pic.twitter.com/BygJCGgpwm— Charlie Patino (@CharliePatino10) October 5, 2022
Despite the fact that the game finished goalless, it was Patino that came in for significant praise from his manager following a strong all-round performance.
“18 years old he still is, he can deal with the ball in any area of the pitch, go past people left side, right side”, Appleton behan.
“I said when he came to the club he’s as good as anything I’ve seen dealing with the ball and with good movement of the ball as you’ve seen tonight he can play as a six, can play as a ten, can play as an eight. He’s got a really, really good future ahead of him.
I thought he was outstanding tonight, especially in that second half. He controlled the game, it was his game, he played at his tempo when he wanted to speed it up he sped it up, when he wanted to slow it down he slowed it down, when he wanted to switch the play he did it,” Appleton continued.
Arsenal continue to have high hopes for the teenager, who has already made his debut for the club, scoring in the League Cup against Sunderland, while he has also represented the Three Lions at U20 level.
He is seen as the long-term successor to Granit Xhaka in Mikel Arteta’s midfield, but as Appleton pointed out, he is versatile enough to cover in Thomas Partey’s traditional no.6 role too.
