Young Guns – Arsenal Reserves & Youth News

Cameroon-born Cedric Evina went on a long journey before signing for Arsenal, but the left back is considered an exciting talent after progressing from the Hale End Academy into the Under 18′s as a schoolboy.

Cedric moved to France as a youngster, but was soon on the move again after leaving Paris for London aged 10. He joined the Hale End Academy and quickly accelerated through the ranks making his debut for the Under 18′s as a 14-year-old. During the 2007-2008 campaign he turned out 22 times for the Under 18′s, and trained with the first-team on a regular basis leading to a call up for a friendly against TP Mazembe, where he bagged the winner with a powerful drive.

The 2008-2009 season saw Evina establish himself in the left back slot in the Under 18′s but he was still behind Thomas Cruise in the F.A Youth Cup run. However, he did feature as a subsitute as the Gunners won the Cup against Liverpool. The quicksilver prospect has already admitted his desire to represent France in the future, and after starting to make inroads in the Reserves, he’s well on his way to turning out for Les Bleus’ youth sides.

Evina is super versatile and has featured as a winger and even up front in recent seasons but the left back slot is where he’s shown most promise. Strong, technically sound and a accurate crosser, the diminutive full back signed professional forms in July 2009.

Name: Cedric Evina
Nickname: ‘Big Ced’
Age: 17
Nationality: French
International: No
Position: Left Back
Height: 175cm
Previous Clubs: None
Contract : Professional