Per Mertesacker will end his term as head of Arsenal’s academy at the end of the 2023-2024 season. He’s played a central role in putting the club’s youth development process in place since taking on the position back in 2018. His exit is a significant blow to Arsenal’s strategy for being at the vanguard of developing young talent. Under his leadership, the club has achieved unprecedented success in this area.
Under Mertesacker’s guidance, the Hale End academy blossomed, producing young talents who have made the transition into the first team. Stars such as Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, and Myles Lewis-Skelly all emerged from this program, illustrating Mertesacker’s impact. The academy has become a vital component of Arsenal’s strategy, with many young players now representing the club at higher levels.
Mertesacker’s exit raises questions about the future direction of Arsenal’s youth development. He has become the symbolic embodiment of the club’s cultural makeover. Together with manager Mikel Arteta, he goes about imbuing a winning mentality into young players.
Success at Hale End
When Mertesacker was in charge of the academy, Hale End became known as the production line. The academy has generated a number of talented players that broke out in youth tournaments. As a result, many of them have successfully made it on the senior team. Among them are Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, who both entered the academy system in tandem and developed alongside each other.
That starts with having a champion mentality, Mertesacker told participants. This idea has turned into the practice of breaking players in a sense, sometimes literally testing them by pushing them up age brackets. Having the guidance of Temisan Williams, who worked directly with Mertesacker, helped develop talents such as Max Dowman and Marli Salmon. He used a personal example to illustrate the importance of this approach.
“It’s a stretch in terms of being around players who are older, faster, stronger,” – Temisan Williams
The academy’s goal is to produce team players who help the team win, but focus on individual development. On an FGM podcast, Williams opined that Arsenal need to be looking to create two first-team players a season. To him, that would be the true crowning achievement for the club. Along with the positive, he was clear-eyed about the real-life prospect that the overwhelming majority of young players will not enjoy long careers in pro football.
Building a Winning Culture
Mertesacker’s impact didn’t stop at developing players as he was instrumental in creating an environment that promotes collaboration and a never-give-up mentality. This focus on individual and ensemble excellence has always been a fundamental tenant of the academy’s guiding philosophy.
Identifying what they do best, but developing the identity of the team as a whole that’s really the key for young players, Williams described. He emphasized that the most dynamic team player has to demonstrate versatility and a willingness to be taught.
“How do you showcase that mentality when you’re up an even greater challenge than your individual age group?” – Temisan Williams
The academy’s culture encourages players to pursue greatness beyond the pitch. Williams explained the importance of showing consistency through both the highs and lows, stating that sometimes the best character-building moments come from the worst times.
“When things go well and not well, will you still put in as much? Will you encourage your team-mates?” – Temisan Williams
This approach ensures that players not only develop their skills but grow as individuals who can contribute positively to any team environment.
The Future of Arsenal’s Academy
As Mertesacker gets ready to leave, the questions remain how Arsenal will ensure their successful academy remains as vibrant as ever. Young talents such as Max Dowman, Marli Salmon, and Andre Harriman-Annous are already making waves, indicating that the pipeline remains strong.
Mertesacker has consistently highlighted the importance of nurturing each player’s individuality while ensuring they understand their role within a team context. He went on to stress that success should not just be defined by the attainment of careers but personal growth.
“We’re still going to be proud of you even if you don’t make it as a professional player.” – Per Mertesacker
The real test going forward will be how to keep the momentum continued that was built during Mertesacker’s tenure. Williams frontloading a champion mentality will be important going forward as new leadership steps in.
“It’s about understanding what you can do individually; your super strength and how it can support the team in terms of playing identity and playing style,” – Temisan Williams
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