Who is Theo Julienne, the Arsenal youngster Mikel Arteta turned to vs Como?

Theo Julienne has been handed a surprise start for Arsenal against Como.

The Gunners are bringing an end to their pre-season with a game against Cesc Fabregas’ side at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta has made a number of changes to his side, perhaps because the Community Shield against Manchester City is less than four days away.

One of the beneficiaries of those changes is young Julienne.

Who is Arsenal youngster Theo Julienne?

Theo Julienne joined the Arsenal academy following a post-Covid trial as a teenager.

The youngster has developed brilliantly in the club’s youth system and has been a regular for both the U18s as well as the U21s.

Julienne is naturally a central midfielder, but he is as versatile as they come.

The 18-year-old has played across the midfield positions, as a right-midfielder and also in both full-back roles.

That sort of versatility, combined with his composure on the ball and passing ability, has made him a key player for the academy teams, and he has now caught Arteta’s eye.

After brief cameos earlier this pre-season, the Arsenal manager has handed him a start at right-back against Como on Wednesday night.

With the Gunners short of options in that department due to Jurrien Timber’s injury, an impressive showing could open the door for more minutes once the new season starts.

The most important thing for Julienne, however, would be establishing himself as a key player for the U21s in the upcoming campaign.

Theo Julienne sees himself as a midfielder

Despite playing several games as a full-back at Arsenal, including the one against Como on Wednesday night, Julienne has publicly claimed that he sees himself as a number eight.

The teenager’s ability on the ball is one of his biggest strengths, and the fact that he can run all game makes him an ideal fit for that role.

“In terms of my game, I’d describe myself as a box-to-box midfielder, a number eight who can contribute both offensively and defensively while staying composed in possession,” Julienne said about himself in an interview with Arsenal.com last year.

“I’m not necessarily someone who scores loads of goals, but I can still be a threat going forward. I like to keep the game ticking, help the team control possession and win the ball back.”

It remains to be seen now where Arteta sees him playing in the long term.