Our Young Gun series returns for 2024/25 as we get to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at Sobha Realty Training Centre.
Samuel Onyekachukwu spoke to us recently, and here's what he had to say about growing up in Finchley, thriving at centre-back and more.
I grew up in Finchley, and initially, it was my older brother who played football. Watching him got me interested, and I decided to get involved too. The first time I actually played football was when I was around eight years old. Before that, I was focused on athletics in schoolāIāve always had a good burst of speed. My background is Nigerian, but my grandma is Italian, and my mum can even speak the language.
Growing up, I looked up to Virgil van Dijk. As a centre-back, he's been one of the best defenders in the world for a long time, consistently playing at the highest level. Iāve always admired his dominance in defence, and I aspire to reach that same level of influence on the pitch.
The first team I played for was Whetstone Wanderers, and back then, I actually started out as a winger and occasionally played up top. We participated in a summer tournament where I performed really well, catching the eye of a few scouts. One of them was from Watford, and after speaking to my mum, they offered me a six-week trial. During the trial, things didnāt quite click for me on the wing, so they shifted me to centre-back. Thatās when everything fell into placeāI thrived in the position and never looked back.
"I played some of my best football, learned a lot and experienced Brazil's beauty"
I joined Watford at the U10 level and stayed there for two seasons. Then, Arsenal made their move. I was playing for my district in a tournament hosted by Arsenal, where my team won the cup, and I had a great tournament. Arsenal noticed, and they offered me the chance to join their U12s. A lot of the guys who were there when I first joined, like Andre, Sam, Alex, Khari, Ife, and Jack, are still here today. Itās incredible to see us all still pushing each other forward.
When I first joined Arsenal, I couldnāt believe it. I was over the moon, and my family was incredibly proud. Being part of one of the biggest clubs in the world is an honour. I give all the glory to God for that. One of the highlights of my time at Hale End was the Brazil tour last year with the U17s. I played some of the best football of my life, learned a lot about myself, and experienced Brazilās beauty firsthand. It was an unforgettable trip.
Coming up to the scholarship decision time was nerve-wracking, especially because I was injured for a while. It made me doubt whether Iād get the chance. But thankfully, the coaches believed in me, and I was offered the scholarship. Iāve loved every minute of it since.
Moving to the Sobha Realty Training Centre has been amazing. Itās a much more professional environment than Hale End, and itās humbling to see how the hard work is paying off. Iāve even had the chance to train with the first team, which was an unreal experience. Walking onto the pitch and seeing Saliba, Saka, and Odegaard playing aroundāmy heart was pounding. The tempo was so quick, and you have to think fast to keep up.
There was this funny moment when I was in the ice bath and Saka walked in. He joked that I needed to get my whole body in, and we ended up doing the ice bath together for about 10 minutes. He told me how he used to be nervous and shy when he first arrived, but he encouraged me to be confident and believe in myself, which meant a lot to me.
I recently made my U18 debut in our 3-3 draw with Southampton. I came on at halftime when we were 3-0 down, and Jack and Adam told me to do my best. Their belief and trust in me helped me perform, and Iām glad we were able to grind out a draw, showing the determination and character in our squad.
"Saka joked that I needed to get my whole body in the ice bath!"
Seeing six academy players feature against Bolton in the Carabao Cup was incredibly inspiring. Especially Jack Porter, as heās in the same age group as me. Watching him play was amazing, and weāre all super proud of him. It just shows that if you work hard and keep performing at a high level, there is a pathway to the first team.
For the rest of the season, my goal is to play as many games as I can and keep improving. God is central to my lifeāI know I wouldnāt be where I am today without Him. I read my Bible and pray daily, always thanking Him for the opportunities Iāve been given. Before every game, I make sure to pray and meditate on His word.
My family, especially my mum, inspires me every day. My brother and sister watch all my games, but massive props go to my mum. Sheās always there to encourage me, pray for me, and support me in everything I do. The belief she instills in me means the world, and I hope to repay her for everything sheās done for me.
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