If the infamous phrase that ‘the road to the top is full of difficult challenges’ is led to be believed, then things bode well for Arsenal’s latest Spanish acquisition Ignasi Miquel.
The giant centre back started out like many youngsters, with his home town club. However, it just happened that his first employers were Barcelona – a club recognised world wide for their incredible calibre when it comes to youth development.
But after 5 years with the Catalan giants, the decision was made that Ignasi was not showing enough promise, and was subsequently released. It’s a tough moment for any player to be told they have no future, something Arsène Wenger mentioned last week. Yet as a teenager it’s even harder, as Barcelona was all he had known.
His determination to remain in the game showed as he dropped 5 divisions to play for lowly UD Cornella. With a Barcelona education under his belt, it was evident he would be the best player in their youth teams. The confidence this brought Miquel showed, soon he was playing for Cornella’s B outfit, leading to a recommendation by the Spanish National team coaches to keep an eye on the prospect.
Soon he was back in the big time. A call up to the Spain Under 16’s followed, where scouts from across the world gathered to watch a feared young Spanish team. At this level, they are certainly the team to beat, meaning Ignasi’s inclusion was nothing short of exceptional.
His eye catching performances in a combination of positions caught the eye, but the majority of his team mates were from the country’s biggest clubs. Real Madrid, Valencia and Atlético Madrid all had several representatives, along with Barcleona. His previous outfit must have been stunned at what would follow in the weeks after.
The media became entranced with his story, and a transfer battle swiftly began. Manchester United and Valencia both faxed trial offers, showing how his stock had risen in just a few months. Arsenal took the gamble of making a straight cash offer without a trial, Miquel and Cornella were delighted and an agreement was struck.
Several visits to the Emirates allowed the imposing defender a chance to get used to a big team again, indeed he even had dinner with his idol, Cesc Fabregas. At the start of the season, all the hype had gone, and it was time for the hard work to begin.
At 193cm he towers above many adults, never mind Under 16 players. A debut during the Zinedine Zidane Tournament must have been nerve racking, but the gentle giant showed his composure and style on the ball as the Gunners walked away with the trophy.
The League campaign is well underway now, and Miquel is already making advantage of his height, crashing in a goal against West Ham three weeks ago. It’s been a while since an exciting young defender came through the ranks, and although part of his education has been served in his home land, Ignasi possess all the true components of an Arsenal player.
He’s been forced to do it the hard way, but Ignasi Miquel is heading for the very top.
Article By – J.Sanderson
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who would u compare him 2 j if u could?
Good to see ur back writing again, you’ve been a bit quiet recently
How old is he JS?
Love the site
Bartley and Ignasi two good prospects but who has the better chance of making it here ??
He reminds me of Tony Adams..
UD cornella 5 divisions below barca? how on earth spain national youth coach notice he even exist when you got youngster from barca, madrid and valencia to choose from? he must be really outstanding at youth level in spain. so j, u think he the best center defender in arsenal youth squad?
No news on that south american we are nent to be signing
gd wk js
^ horrendous.
193cm
How tall is this in proper talk? 6ft 4?
Sounds like a great prospect but that is a damning statement about the rest of our young defenders there J, is it really that bad?
good story! this guy is for the future!
He looks a top prospect and 193cm at 16. I’m not that tall and I’m older than him. It has reaped huge benefits for his former club UD Cornella. They can train 700 kids with the dosh they recived.
http://arsenalcolumn.wordpress.com/2008/10/22/arsenal-turnover-statistics-ignasi-miquel-transfer-funds-700-kids/
What are his chances of making it here J in comparison to Bartley , Hoyte ect???
“I’m not that tall and I’m older than him”
Well obviously Brain, hardly anybody is!
Awesome article Mr Sanderson, cant wait for this young lad to make his way up the ranks!
Hey I’m a tall guy! Even at 16 he supersedes me. Unfair. That’s what I’m trying to say.
“I’m not that tall and I’m older than him”
“Well obviously Brain, hardly anybody is!”
Im 196 cm actually, haha, so I beat him. If I only had the balls skills as well.
This kid excites me. He must be on the verge of getting into the U-18 side though. I can’t imagine us buying a 16 year old abroad if he isn’t good enough for our U-18.
Thank you guys.
To answer your questions..
He has just turned 16. He is very very promising, and looks one of the best young defenders in the system for a long time. I think he will be playing Under 18’s very soon.
Better than Nordtveit then :-D
no, i think nordtveit shows mutch more talent. okey, so he is tall but he is not that strong yet i will come but for now i think nordtveit i better, he is stronger, better on the ball and nordtveits vison is suberb.
Top article J. I’m glad to hear good news about our young defenders. I’m glad Nordveit is coming back too – we don’t want him in midfield. These boys will surely learn a great deal from Toure Gallas and Silvestre while they are around.
Ignasi Miquel is the reason that we weren’t that fussed about Oliver Nicholas leaving.
He looks like.. Djourou or Adams. Tall and strong. Nordtveit looks more like Toure. Assured defender.