Per Mertesacker’s ten-word Arsenal ethos shows secret to Hale End academy success

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Per Mertesacker is the head of the Hale End academy system at Arsenal.

The former Arsenal centre-back is now responsible for guiding the next generation of talents on their way to Mikel Arteta’s first team squad. 

Per Mertesacker oversees the entire youth setup in North London, and has proven successful in this role since his appointment in 2018.

Mertesacker works closely with Edu Gaspar, the Gunners’ director of football, as the pair invest in young talents who they believe could make the grade at senior level.

However, there is more to the 40-year-old’s role than recruitment, as he is also responsible for helping to guide these youngsters and shape the players and men that they will become.

• READ MORE: Every Arsenal academy player to make their senior debuts under Mikel Arteta

Per Mertesacker shares Arsenal philosophy 

Making the step up from academy to senior football successfully requires more than talent. It takes dedication, a strong work ethic, and the right mentality, as well as a measure of luck, to make the grade.

Mertesacker has an ethos that underlines his belief in more than just talent being required. 

Speaking to Football.London, he shared his philosophy: “Talent gets you in the building, character sets the ceiling.”

The character of these young players will be tested on their journey through academy football, as they will face injuries, setbacks, and disappointments. Even if they can overcome these challenges, they also have to accept the fact that their chances of establishing themselves as stars at the Emirates Stadium are slim.

Hale End academy success stories

Whilst most academy gems will not ultimately become key figures in Arteta’s group, there are success stories who they can aspire to emulate.

Hale End academy graduate Bukayo Saka is now a talismanic figure at the Emirates Stadium. The 23-year-old is a bona fide superstar. Saka is still used to inspire Hale End prospects.

Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are now making a name for themselves at senior level, and will be aiming to shine again when the Gunners take on Preston North End in an EFL Cup clash this evening.