Who is Chido Obi-Martin, Arsenal's wonderkid who scored 10 goals v Liverpool | OneFootball

Highlights

Arsenal fans have reason to be excited about 15-year-old academy prospect Chido Obi-Martin as a video emerges of the striker netting an eye-catching ten goals in the Gunners’ 14-3 win over Liverpool Under-16s on Saturday. And boy, do they have a net-bulging sensation on their hands!

The teen sensation, who has already played for Arsenal at Under-21s level despite being just 15 years of age, dropped down an age group with older academy sides not in action over the weekend. And he stole the show – later captioning an image of himself with the match ball: “14:3 W vs Liverpool. Scored 10”.

North London duo Andre Annous and Max Dowman also got in on the act, but their exploits against the Reds was nothing compared to Obi-Martin’s hat-trick of hat-tricks plus an extra goal. The rising star has signed a scholarship deal at the capital club and will be working tirelessly behind-the-scenes to become their next big thing.

His 10-goal haul would’ve sent shockwaves across the Premier League, while he hopes to attract the attention of Mikel Arteta in the process. However, his undeniable talent may not come as a massive surprise to the Spanish tactician, given he has already trained with the first team. Obi-Martin has done fantastically well to rise up the age groups – and he’ll have his full focus on becoming the club’s primary goalscorer-in-chief for years to come.

Obi-Martin’s 10-goal haul

Luckily, all ten goals against the Liverpool youngsters have been caught on film and a compilation has emerged on X (formerly Twitter) for armchair watchers to feast their eyes on and for those associated with the Gunners to look positively into the future of your club.

Quite impressively, his goals are not carbon copies of one another, with his long list of tricks on show. Right foot, header, penalty – a net-busting one at that – were all part of his 10-goal selection – proving he is somewhat of a jack of all trades. At least three of them saw the striker maraud down the left, open his body up and direct it past the flailing Liverpool shot stopper. The penalty – as mentioned – was one that struck the back of the net with purpose and a couple of finishes set up by his dance-like feet and willingness to drive with the ball. Scary hours.

His tenacity, rapid speed and tireless work ethic were all on show as he often ran defenders ragged and gave them not a moment to think before he attempted to regain possession. A physical figure, too, Obi-Martin seems built for the trials and tribulations of life in the Premier League, known for its fast-paced nature and physicality - both of which the 15-year-old has in abundance.

It's not often that a player scores 10 goals in a solitary football match, so drink it in. Before you know it, he’ll be adorned in an Arsenal strip latching onto a pinpoint ball courtesy of Bukayo Saka, or his mate on the left, Gabriel Martinelli. He has all the makings of a top Premier League striker – all that’s left is nurture, time, and belief.

Arsenal prospect continues to impress

Obi-Martin’s size is particularly apparent and a physical aspect that sets him above the rest, with former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, speaking on his podcast ‘Wrighty’s House’ (via The Mirror), saying:

The 2007-born talisman featured twice in Premier League 2 during 2022/23 but has a more regular option this term. Grabbing his first trio of strikes at Under-18 level this season against Southampton while also playing in Arsenal’s double-header against Sevilla in the UEFA Youth League – it’s been a season to cherish and remember already.

Wedged in-between the two European fixtures, the 15-year-old earned a well-deserved shot at plying his trade in the Under-21s set-up and enjoyed a 20-minute cameo in a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. Next on the agenda for Obi-Martin? Securing his senior bow under Arteta. After fellow academy player Ethan Nwaneri made waves in the English top division for becoming its youngest-ever player as he came off the bench at Brentford last season – at 15 years, five months and 28 days - Obi-Martin could certainly be next in line.

Obi-Martin’s international conundrum

While Arsenal fans can enjoy his goalscoring exploits on the domestic stage for now, many England supporters may be wondering when he’ll get a glimpse of international football. But unfortunately, his allegiance may lie elsewhere with either Denmark or Nigeria.

Born in Glostrup, Denmark, he has begun his embryonic international career for the Danish Under-17s side under the watchful eye of head coach Jesper Mikkelsen. Already in nine outings, the gifted starlet has scored seven goals, which has prompted Mikkelsen to speak out about his talent.

The youngster moved to the UK as a fresh-faced teenager after he piqued the interest of Arsenal during his youth days at Copenhagen and, as such, is qualified to play for the Three Lions. At Under-16 level, Obi-Martin has featured for England in two outings, though – to much surprise – he failed to find the back of the net on both occasions.

By virtue of his Nigerian father, he is also eligible to play for the Super Eagles, though their long list of striker options including Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi, Gift Orban, and Victor Boniface may put him off. That said, the competition to become Harry Kane’s successor is just as fierce, with Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney among those waiting patiently in the wings.

Still yet to declare his international allegiance, all nations will embark in a tug-of-war battle for his services and should he continue scoring at an alarming rate, the desire will just continue to grow.