Arsenal star Mathieu Debuchy impressed by club’s Soccer School in Dubai

Matt Jones - Editor 18:35 14/11/2014
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  • UAE talent: Mathieu Debuchy (c) poses for a photography with head coach Ian Selley (1st right) and some of the promising players at the school.

    Young footballers in the UAE learning to play the Arsenal way had the best possible source to learn from when injured French star Mathieu Debuchy visited the Arsenal Soccer School in Dubai on Friday.

    Debuchy targeting Christmas return with Arsenal

    The full-back, who signed from Newcastle United in the summer, was on hand to present prizes, sign shirts and host a question and answer session with the hoards of school pupils desperate to get a real taste of what it means to play for the Gunners.

    Debuchy, 29, has endured a frustrating start to life at the Emirates. His first game was the 3-0 Community Shield win over Manchester City in August, but he was then injured against the same opposition barely a month later.

    The France international took time out of his rehabilitation to visit the club’s UAE soccer school and Debuchy praised the work they are doing in with the youngsters.

    He said: “I’m so happy today to be here, it’s important for the young players. I was like them when I was a young player and it’s important I’m here today.

    “Arsenal’s a global club and to have an academy here in the Middle East is important to bring about local talent and get them training to play the Arsenal way.”

    Debuchy says that Arsenal’s philosophy is very different to any other type of football he has played at previous clubs.

    “I’ve known about Arsenal for a long time before and I’ve been aware of the Arsenal way and that Arsene Wenger was one of the greatest managers to put that style in play.”

    As well as asking Debuchy questions, pupils throughout the school ranks had the chance of a picture with the Frenchman during his visit, while some even took the chance to take a selfie with their superstar visitor.

    Rising stars at the school were delighted to meet Debuchy and to hear that the defender is nearing a return from injury.

    Ryan Fix, 11, said: “It was really fun to meet Mathieu, he’s a really good defender and we’re missing defenders, that’s why we’re conceding so many goals, like the 3-3 draw with Anderlecht.

    “He’s been playing well in the Premier League and has adjusted to the club well and I’m looking forward to having him back.”

    Amman Das, also 11, similarly believes Debuchy is key to solving the North London club’s defensive leaks.

    “Mathieu has stopped us conceding goals since he’s been at the club and it’s a real shame that he’s been injured. His absence was the reason we lost 2-1 to Swansea, I was crying that day.”

    Amman added: “I’m a total Arsenal fan and used to love (Robin) Van Persie, but now I don’t. My favourite player now is Alexis Sanchez, I love him.”

    Arsenal Soccer School head coach is Ian Selley, who played in the Premier League for the Gunners, before going on to enjoy a career in non-league football.

    He  said: “It’s great to get players of Mathieu’s quality out here, it’s great exposure for the school. The kids have been working on a Debuchy module for the last three weeks so they’re very excited.

    “We’re one of the only schools here that can hold these types of event and Mathieu is someone for them to look up to. It gives them the drive to maybe one day live the dream and do what Mathieu’s done.”  

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