One former Arsenal academy talent is currently leading the way at Euro 2024 in one key statistical measure.
England are set to contest a Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands on Wednesday evening, with a place in the final on the line.
Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are almost certain to start in this match. Saka will certainly be full of confidence, having been the hero for his country against Switzerland last time out.
With the Three Lions in need of a goal in their quarter-final tie, the 22-year-old winger provided in spectacular fashion in the 80th minute of the match. Saka received the ball out wide on the right, cut inside onto his stronger left foot, and picked out the bottom corner from range.
The Hale End academy graduate also did his duty from the penalty spot during the shootout that decided the match. The Arsenal man made no mistake, helping England on their way through to the next round. Saka was congratulated by England legend David Beckham after the game.
Arsenal fans were also impressed by the performance that Rice produced against Switzerland, as he came up against former Gunner Granit Xhaka in the middle of the park.
Mikel Arteta’s two stars will come face to face with another player with a North London connection on Wednesday in the shape of Donyell Malen.
Former Arsenal gem Donyell Malen looking to shine again for the Netherlands against England
Malen has managed to make his mark at Euro 2024. The winger netted a brace in the nation’s round of 16 triumph over Romania. Though the 25-year-old may not be included in Ronald Koeman’s starting XI tomorrow, he will almost certainly make an appearance if his nation are in need of a goal.
The Borussia Dortmund ace has been incredibly efficient in front of goal at Euro 2024. In fact, as per FBRef statistics, Malen currently leads the way in the competition when it comes to non-penalty goals scored per 90 minutes played. He currently boasts a return of 1.24 goals per 90 minutes.
England will certainly be wary of the threat that the Dutch attacker poses.
Malen hoping for second chance at Arsenal
In his youth, Malen spent time in the Arsenal academy system. However, he left the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2017, without having made a first team appearance for the club.
He went on to impress for PSV Eindhoven before making the switch to Borussia Dortmund. However, Malen recently revealed that he hopes to return to Arsenal at some stage.
However, it has since been reported that Arteta wants to sign Spain star Nico Williams, if the Gunners are to invest in a winger at all this summer.
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