Arsenal have completed the signing of Elijah Upson after his departure from Tottenham Hotspur.
Son of former Gunners defender Matthew Upson, the teenager’s future had been up in the air for a long time, with Spurs trying hard to secure his future.
However, Upson decided that he was better off joining another club, and after interest from other clubs, he chose the reigning Premier League champions.
Now, he has revealed the reason why he picked Arsenal, and his thinking is really clever.
Who is the one Arsenal academy player you thought would become a superstar but never did?
Elijah Upson says he left Tottenham for Arsenal because of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes
Arsenal arguably have the best defensive partnership in world football.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have been rocks at the back for the Gunners, and they have maintained the best defensive record in the Premier League for several years now.
Nobody’s displacing either centre-back at Arsenal anytime soon, but the chance to work with and learn from either player is invaluable for any young defender.
Upson realised that and pounced on that opportunity when the Premier League champions came calling.
Speaking about the two first-team stars as well as Arsenal’s history of giving academy players a chance, he told Arsenal.com: “That was also one of the big reasons for my decision.
“Obviously, great exposure to some of these great players that have had a great season here and some real top quality. I’m excited to hopefully be around and work with these people.
“I think definitely the centre-back partnership in the first team that there is between Saliba and Gabriel, they’re a good inspiration and really experienced, high-quality players.
“They’ve had a great season, definitely two players that I’m really keen to learn from and expose myself to hopefully.”
That is really clever from Upson. If the choice is between learning from Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven or Saliba and Gabriel, the latter is the most obvious pick.
This smart decision could end up making a serious difference in Upson’s career in the coming years.
START, BENCH, SELL: Tony Adams, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes…
PICK IN THE COMMENTS!!!
Elijah Upson explains his style of play to Arsenal fans
Upson, like his dad Matt, is a central defender, but he is a lot more suited to the modern game.
The 18-year-old possesses the physical traits required to play in that role, but he is also technical enough to play out from the back.
Furthermore, Upson has called himself a big set-piece threat, which will be music to Nicolas Jover’s ears.
He said after joining Arsenal: “Aerially, I’m quite good; it’s definitely a strength of mine. Obviously, I’m a defender, but if I can take that into an attacking side of things, then that’s also really good and an area I can use that quality as well.
“I’d say I’ve definitely worked hard in terms of my passing range and having a good, longer passing range. I’d say that could be a good strength of mine.
“I’m looking forward to making those qualities better.”
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