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    Arsenal’s record-breaking goalkeeper Jack Porter, 16, used to be midfielder at same grassroots club as icon Tony Adams

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    JACK Porter is likely to return to the bench for Arsenal’s Premier League game against Leicester – with No2 Neto in line for his debut to replace the injured David Raya.But, it’s been an incredible week for the 16-year-old shotstopper.Jack Porter in action for the Gunners against Bolton in the EFL CupCredit: GettyPorter has featured on the bench for Arsenal who have suffered a keeper crisisCredit: GettyHis appearance against Bolton made Porter Arsenal’s youngest ever starterCredit: GettyThe teenager became the youngest player to start a competitive game in the club’s history, when he appeared between the sticks at the Emirates in the 5-1 defeat of Bolton in the EFL Cup.And now he appears destined for big things.Who does he play like and what’s his style?When Porter was a youngster, playing grassroots football, he played in midfield up until the age of 11, before converting to keeper.Therefore, he was already comfortable using his feet.Read more Arsenal news On the Arsenal website, Porter is described as a “confident goalkeeper on and off the pitch.”They add: “In possession he’s very good at helping the team start the attack.”Out of possession, he is agile and a good shot-stopper.”The England U17 international, who stands at around 6ft, hasn’t been compared to any goalkeeper in particular.Most read in FootballHis talents at Hale End have been heralded by the club’s staff, with first-team goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana lauding his abilities to Mikel Arteta.Ethan Nwaneri’s rise at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta’s guisePorter also has a huge supporter in Arsenal and England legend, David Seaman.The legendary goalie is a regular visitor at the training ground and one visit was said to have mentioned Porter’s ability.After seeing the youngster’s debut, Seaman took to X to congratulate him.He wrote: “So pleased to see this young man’s Arsenal debut go so well! #safehands Jack!”Porter’s ability with his feet has been heralded as one of his many attributesCredit: GettyTell us about their risePorter played as a goalie for the first time for Essex side Gidea Park Rangers’ Under 12 team.It was the same team Arsenal’s greatest ever captain, Tony Adams was plucked from before finding fame at Highbury.Within four months, the Gunners invited him in for trials with their emerging talent group.Four weeks later, he was offered a trial for the U12s.However, Covid meant he had to wait nine months until he was signed in late 2020.By the age of 14, Porter was already training with Arsenal’s first team squad.While at international level, he has been capped six times by England’s U16s and been a part of the U17s squad.Porter’s football journey at grassroots level followed in Tony Adams’ footstepsTwo months ago, Porter signed scholarship terms with the GunnersPorter has represented England at U16 and U17 levelCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresOnly two months ago, Porter signed scholarship terms with Arsenal having turned 16 – with Jack Wilshere acting as one of his mentors.He shared the moment on Instagram, captioning a photo alongside Arsenal Academy manager Per Mertesacker: “Dream come true, delighted to sign for this amazing football club with such great history, would like to thank everyone who’s supported me throughout the years.”He added: “Hard work carries on.”What the experts sayWith David Raya injured and Neto cup tied for the game against Bolton, Arsenal had very little option but to hand Porter his debut.New signing Tommy Setford is also sidelined, which explained why Porter featured on the bench against Atalanta in the Champions League the previous week.Colombian Alexei Rojas seemed like the most obvious choice, boasting more experience at youth level.But it was on the advice of goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana who told manager Arteta he felt Porter was ready for the occasion.’Arteta, himself, revealed: “Jack has been training with us since pre-season, we’re confident he can do the role obviously he plays in the international team, we’ve seen what he can do and we believe he was the right choice.”Goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana told Mikel Arteta he felt Porter was ready for his debutCredit: GettyFirst team stars like Declan Rice gave Porter plenty of support against BoltonCredit: GettyAfter the match, the Spaniard revealed Porter’s parents weren’t prepared for the news he was set to make his debut in the Carabao Cup tie.Arteta said: “Well, we told him yesterday and he was over the moon straight away. “I think he spoke to his family and they weren’t prepared for that. It’s a big step, it’s a big occasion for them and I think they were nervous about it. “But I think he reacted really well, he was really composed yesterday in training and today as well. “His teammates really helped him as well on that. What an experience and what a way to break a record.”What could happen over the next 12 months?In all honesty, Porter’s call-up was somewhat fortuitous given Arsenal’s goalkeeping crisis.It’s unlikely he will be used as anything more than a substitute in the Premier League, or Champions League.With the Gunners facing Preston North End in the next round of the EFL Cup, there’s every chance he could feature in that game.Porter is in the early stages of his development at youth levelCredit: GettyPorter’s next task will be to establish himself in the Arsenal U18 and U21 teamsCredit: GettyHowever, he has only played a handful of games for the U18s and just once for the U21s.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s still baby steps in his developments at youth level.But, he will always be able to say he broke a record as Arsenal’s youngest starter in a competitive game. More

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      Meet Wes Okoduwa, 16, who has already been on Wolves bench in Premier League and was Man Utd AND Chelsea transfer target

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      WES OKODUWA has already made a huge impression in the youth ranks at Wolves – and this is why Manchester United and Chelsea made a move for the defender in the summer. Both United and the Blues were told that there was no way the 16-year-old full-back would be allowed to leave as Wolves want their homegrown star to remain in the West Midlands.Wes Okoduwa is a teenage sensation hoping to break through at WolvesCredit: GettySunSport featured Okoduwa last season on the front of the Goals supplementHOW DO THEY PLAY AND WHO DO THEY REMIND YOU OF?Due to the fact he is so young, Okoduwa is still growing. But he is already a formidable right-back, with pace and power his biggest attributes. He is terrific at defending in one-on-one situations so the best comparison is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is now at West Ham.In March, Okoduwa was on the bench for Wolves’ Premier League game at Newcastle.  READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHad he featured, he would have been the club’s youngest-ever player.The following month, he was also an unused substitute at home to Arsenal. On both occasions, the youngster was taken out of school to prepare for the game.He stayed on the bench for subsequent Premier League matches.Most read in FootballTELL US ABOUT THEIR RISEOkoduwa was born in New York to Nigerian parents but he moved to Wolverhampton at an early age and has been with the club since he was 10.He has played for England’s Under-16s and is now due to be part of the U17s set-up this season – although he has also been invited to train with the United States.His father, Emmanuel, made one senior appearance for Nigeria and also played club football in Ukraine. He’s trained very well, he’s physically very goodWolves boss Gary O’NeilWHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING? After the home game with Arsenal, Wolves boss Gary O’Neil said: “I hope he’s had more fun with us than he would have in science!“He’s trained very well, he’s physically very good. It’s probably slightly too early in his development but it’s the situation we’re in.”WHAT DO THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD? Okoduwa will have to wait until next May before he turns 17, which is when he can sign his first professional contract.He started playing for Wolves’ U21s aged 15 and will continue to remain with the group while training in and around the first-team.Maybe next summer – or in 18 months’ time – the teen sensation might look to be loaned to an EFL side for a taste of first-team action.Wolves obviously rate him highly, otherwise he would have not been allowed anywhere near the first team.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he is incredibly young, particularly for a defender. So Wolves know it will be in their interests to handle him with care.There is no reason, however, why he could not get a glimpse of first-team action this season – maybe even as a sub in one of the cups.The defender warming up before a Premier League match against Bournemouth last seasonCredit: GettyOkoduwa hard at work during a pre-season training camp in MarbellaCredit: GettyThe right-back playing for England Under-16s – but he could also represent the USA and NigeriaCredit: GettyChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Chelsea transfer target Benoit Badiashile was France wonderkid, once told off by Thierry Henry for his bad manners

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      YOU always want to be on the good side of your manager.But when French wonderkid Benoit Badiashile was just 19, he forgot his manners in front of former Monaco boss Thierry Henry, he was quickly reminded.
      French wonderkid Benoit Badiashile has signed for Chelsea
      But Badiashile once upset Thierry Henry when he forgot to tuck his chair in after a press conference
      A lot has changed for the uncompromising centre-back – who has reportedly agreed terms with Chelsea, ahead of a blockbuster move to the Blues for a fee reported fee north of £35million.
      But in December 2018, at a press conference ahead of Monaco’s must-win match against Borussia Dortmund in a Champions League tie – Badiashile was reprimanded for not putting his manager’s needs first.
      Badiashile was sat alongside the Arsenal legend answering reporters’ questions, and when the pair finished they jumped up from their seats to leave the room.
      However, poor Benoit forgot to tuck his chair in and Henry glared at him like a naughty schoolboy until the youngster returned to the table to correct his mistake.
      Since then, Badiashile has risen through the ranks – impressing under Niko Kovac and most recently Philippe Clement to become one of the most sought-after defenders in world football.
      BLOODED BY HENRY
      Despite infuriating his ex-manager, Badiashile was bled into the team by Henry who quickly realised the towering defender’s qualities.
      This season Badiashile has become a key part of Monaco’s defence as they chase the Ligue 1 titleCredit: AFP or licensors
      The 6ft 4in France under-21 international has gone on to play 135 times for the club since making his debut in the 2018-19 season.
      And when Henry was fired from the Stade Louis II, experienced manager Leonardo Jardim continued to integrate the prodigy into his side – installing a greater defensive discipline into Badiashile, although his appearances were more limited.
      And in reent seasons Badiashile has shone as manager have come and go.BROTHERS IN ARMS
      Born in France, and raised by Congolese parents – Badiashile dreamed of playing professional football.
      But it was his elder goalkeeping brother who made the grade first.
      Henry gave Badiashile his debut for MonacoCredit: AFP or licensors
      Loic Badiashile, now 24, is also highly thought of at Monaco – and made his first team debut in a UEFA Champions League qualifier against Fenerbache in 2016.
      It ended in a disappointing 2-1 loss, and it seems that bad results on their debuts runs in the Badiashile family.
      When Benoit was thrown into the side against PSG, the Red and Whites were taught a lesson.
      He was helpless as Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and former striker Edinson Cavani put Monaco to the sword, with the Uruguayan netting a hat-trick.
      CONFIDENCE IN HIS ABILITY
      It was a rude awakening for the teen sensation, but it didn’t destroy his confidence and he showed incredible mental strength to shrug that disappointment off.
      That courageous spirit is just one of Badiashile’s many qualities tha caught the eye of Europe’s top club, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Man Utd
      For his strong frame, his pace and ability to read the game and snuff out danger before it arrives is reminiscent of Chelsea star Kalidou Koulibaly,
      A powerhouse at the back, he’s tough to get past, but as with most young defenders positionally he can drift away from his man.
      That said, coaches for the French national team believe he’s the next big thing and have high hopes for Badiashile.
      Badiashile is strong, athletic and reads the game wellCredit: Getty – Contributor
      A France under-21 international, Badiashile is expected to become a full internationalCredit: Instagram
      Badiashile could be a big hit in the Premier League if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decides to sign him from FranceCredit: Instagram
      latest football features
      He’s been capped at under-16 level – all the way through to the under-21’s for France – and has two caps at full level.
      Benoit revealed that Manchester United DID bid for him in 2020, however he snubbed a £22million move. His time in the Premier League, though, is now set to come. More

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      Chelsea talent Charlie Webster, 18, has been called the ‘next Jadon Sancho’ and wowed Kevin De Bruyne in KDB Cup

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      GENERATIONAL talents are becoming the norm at Stamford Bridge.In the past few years, thanks to Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel and now Graham Potter, Chelsea’s youth talents are thriving in the first team.
      Chelsea wonderkid Charlie Webster is next off the conveyor belt at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
      Webster might get his opportunity in the Chelsea first team under Grahan PotterCredit: Getty
      Mason Mount wowed all and is the back-to-back Chelsea player of the season, while Reece James seems to be winning the bumper race to be Gareth Southgate’s first-choice right-back.
      And now, there’s another name you can add to the list of youngsters hoping to get their chance under Potter.
      England’s Charlie Webster, 18, is a rising star and has already been tracked by Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
      He’s been called the ‘next Jadon Sancho’, and with the Bundesliga giants losing the Three Lions winger last summer they might just make a beeline for Charlie.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      MAKING AN IMPRESSION
      At just 15, Webster had Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne wowed by his ability.
      The setting was the prestigious KDB Cup – an international U15 tournament named after the Belgium ace – with the midfielder as the guest of honour.
      Players from clubs including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and PSG were on show – all desperate to impress.
      It was Chelsea that ended up being victorious – beating Racing Genk on penalties after an exciting 2-2 draw.
      Star of the show was Webster, and his performances didn’t go unnoticed.
      Blues starlet Webster has been called the ‘next Jadon Sancho’
      Webster starred at the KDB Cup in 2019

      He was awarded player of the tournament – winning a golden ball, as well as a signed De Bruyne shirt.
      One feels it could be the first of many awards headed Webster’s way in the future.
      A CULTURED MIDFIELDER
      In similar vein to Billy Gilmour, who joined Brighton in the summer, Webster is a cultured midfielder – good on the ball and smart in possession.
      However, unlike the Scot who prefers to dictate play from deep – Webster likes to get in the box and score goals.
      He started playing football at the Pezzaz Street Soccer academy, which have bases in Wiltshire and Hampshire, before joining Chelsea in 2016 at the age of 12.
      Coaches there believe he has a bright future in the game, and in the past Webster has spoken about his football dream.
      “Obviously, it’s to play for this brilliant club,” he told a reporter at the KDB Cup after starring for the Blues.
      Webster is a cultured midfielder, good on the ball and in possession
      In the past Webster has said it was his dream to play for “brilliant” ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      LEADING BY EXAMPLE
      Webster’s qualities have seen him earmarked as a leader.
      In 2019, he captained England’s U16 team in a match against Republic of Ireland – scoring his first international goal.
      He’s also played for the Three Lions’ U17s – coming off the bench in a 4-1 rout over the USA in 2020.
      And that was the same month Webster made his U18 Premier League debut for Chelsea against Southampton, followed by his U23 debut last April.
      Then in January 2021, Charlie signed his first professional contract with the club on his 17th birthday. Given his progress, you can imagine it’ll be the first of many.
      Webster has captained England at U16 levelCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea kid Armando Broja, 20, idolised Didier Drogba as a youngster and joined the Blues from London rivals Tottenham

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      CHELSEA striker Armando Broja is a man in demand.The 20-year-old Albanian striker enjoyed a successful loan at Southampton last season – which has prompted interest from London rivals West Ham, who are fighting to sign him in a £30million deal.
      Chelsea striker Armando Broja is a kid in demand
      Broja signed a five-year Chelsea deal in 2021 and his highly rated at the clubCredit: Getty
      Last season Broja played his football at Southampton and excelled
      However, recent reports suggest Thomas Tuchel wants to keep his man at the club, after impressing.
      Last year, Broja signed a five-year deal with the club. He grew up idolising club legend Didier Drogba. And if that’s not enough the powerful striker was plucked from bitter rivals Spurs when he was a youngster.
      TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS
      After playing for his local club Burnham Juniors, Broja went on trial to Reading.
      He trained there, but wanted bigger and better things.
      Broja also played with the Fulham academy, and impressed coaches so much he was placed in a team with players on scholarship deals.
      But it was Premier League giants Tottenham who were the first to secure a deal with Broja.
      “I went to a tournament with Burnham Juniors and there was a Spurs scout there watching,” he told Chelseafc.com.
      “He actually came to watch another player in my team but I ended up winning Player of the Tournament and he took me on instead, so I went to Tottenham and signed for them.”
      MOVE TO THE BLUES
      In youth games, Broja starred against Chelsea.
      Immediately, the west London giants wanted the youngster to join their academy after being impressed by his ability.
      “I was at Spurs for two years from Under-8s until the end of Under-9s and in those two years, we played Chelsea a lot and they really liked me as a player and that’s when I joined the Academy,” he said.
      Broja scored 11 goals on loan at Vitesse ArnhemCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      FOOTBALL IDOLS
      Like many aspiring Chelsea star, Broja’s footballing idol is Ivory Coast hero Drogba.
      “My Chelsea idol is Didier Drogba,” he said.
      “He was a machine, very strong, a great finisher and he had an amazing career.
      “At Chelsea, he achieved so much and he was always the one to produce in the big games.”
      Broja also grew up watching clips of Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
      “My dad first introduced me to him and I watched so many of his clips,” he said.
      “He was strong, fast, two-footed, he had everything. That’s who I aspire to be like.”
      At Southampton, Broja scored nine times in all competitions
      Brazilian legend Ronaldo is another striker Broja admiresCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Broja finally made his Chelsea debut under old boss Frank Lampard in 2020.
      He then spent the 20/21 campaign on loan at Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem, where he scored 11 times.
      And last season managed nine goals in 38 games in all competitions for the Saints.
      With time still to go until the end of the transfer window, time will tell where his future lies. And it might be away from Stamford Bridge where he will have to flourish.
      Armando Broja joins a list of current Chelsea first team players who could be departing the club this summerCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Chelsea’s Levi Colwill has starred at Huddersfield, is rated as ‘next Rio’, but could be set for Stamford Bridge exit

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      CHELSEA may not get to see the best of Levi Colwill.The talented youngster, 19, has been a revelation on-loan at Huddersfield Town, as The Terriers push for promotion from the Championship.
      Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill has become a key player at HuddersfieldCredit: Getty
      His form, and current situation with the Blues, has alerted Premier League clubs that he could be available in the summer.
      Everton, Leicester City, and Southampton are all keeping tabs on the centre-half, dubbed the ‘next Rio Ferdinand’.
      And it could be that Colwill leaves Stamford Bridge and establishes himself as an England international, just like his pal Marc Guehi has done some eight miles away at Crystal Palace.
      First team opportunity
      Southampton-born, Colwill joined the Blues as an U9 and thrived through Chelsea’s youth set-up.
      He turned heads in the U18s, as well the U23s before the club decided that they needed to keep hold of their prized asset.
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      In 2021, he signed a four-year deal and was promised a loan deal to get some valuable first team experience with senior pros, who he’d only come up against playing in the EFL Trophy.
      Huddersfield gave him that opportunity, installing the 6ft2in defender into their backline.
      It’s fair to say, he hasn’t looked back – appearing 27 times and helping the club cement their place in the playoff positions.
      Unlike Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori, Colwill will be hopeful of getting his club promoted to the Premier League at the end of the campaign.
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      Just like Rio
      His presence from a defensive point of view has stood out, and he’s efficient in the tackle and comfortable in the air.
      But where Colwill really stands out is on the deck.
      He reads the game beautifully, and like central defenders of the modern era he’s comfortable bringing the ball out.
      His performances have led to comparisons to Rio Ferdinand, by none other than Rio’s brother, Anton.
      “When I’ve looked at him and watched him, the first thing I saw was his presence, his stature, his build,” he said.
      “For someone so young, 19 years old, to have the stature he’s got. He looks like he plays with an older head, which is also a good thing as a centre-back.
      “Blessed to be left-footed, there’s not many left-footed centre-backs about.
      “The ball at his feet is a major, major asset to his armoury.
      “He’s very good on the ball, he’s calm and collected, he’s assertive with his passing, he’s someone that can start attacks.
      Bringing the ball out of defence is one of Colwill’s many attributesCredit: PA
      Colwill in action for England’s U21 side last monthCredit: Rex
      “When you look at a modern day centre-back he’s got everything to go to the very top.
      “The word Rolls-Royce was associated with Rio, and he’s got similar attributes to Rio.”
      What’s next?
      Colwill’s future is currently in the balance.
      Chelsea are reportedly braced for a number of approaches for their wonderkid.
      So, it’s a question of how they can fit him in.
      Already a crowded position in the squad, some space will be filled up when Andreas Christensen leaves in the summer.
      The ageless Thiago Silva doesn’t appear to be slowing down, while Trevoh Chalobah has impressed at times.
      While Antonio Rudiger’s contract talks are still up in the air, following a breakdown in discussions.
      Chelsea however may be tempted to cash in now.
      Whatever he decides, there are plenty of suitors.
      His performances at Huddersfield Town have earned Colwill comparisons with Man Utd legend Rio FerdinandCredit: Getty
      With his future up in the air, Chelsea would loathe to lose ColwillCredit: Getty
      Aware of his ability in Chelsea’s youth teams, Frank Lampard is believed to be interested in bringing him to Goodison Park.
      Southampton want to add him to their collection ex-Chelsea youths, having already seen success with Tino Livramento.
      If he does decide to leave, Chelsea’s loss will certainly be their gain. More