Photo: ‘Powerful and athletic’ 17-year-old features in Arsenal friendly win over Brentford

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On Tuesday afternoon, Arsenal played Brentford B in a behind-closed-doors friendly at London Colney.

The game featured Gunners players – senior and academy – who haven’t been away on international duty.

Arsenal ran out 4-1 winners against the Bees, with Alexandre Lacazette scoring a hat-trick.

The Gunners captain grabbed his first goal midway through the first half, and added two more soon after the break.

Arsenal defender Rob Holding completed the scoring just before the hour mark.

Meanwhile, Julian Jeanvier netted the consolation for the visitors.

The game featured numerous academy players, with the likes of Charlie Patino, Miguel Azeez and Joel Ideho pictured.

Bradley Ibrahim, who signed his first professional contract just four days ago, also featured in the friendly.

The occasion marked an exciting few days for the 17-year-old, who was making his first senior start for Arsenal.

Ibrahim joined the Hale End setup in 2017, having spent most of his youth at the QPR academy.

Rocnation Sports describes him as a central midfielder who “enjoys playing box to box, linking defences with the attacks and making late goal-scoring runs.

“A powerful and athletic midfielder, Bradley likes to receive the ball in tight areas – always looking to create space and play passes to unlock the opposition defence.”

Bradley has already featured for Arsenal’s Under-23s despite his young age.

He made his debut for the U23s in the Premier League 2 fixture away to Leicester earlier this year.

Ibrahim has since clocked up a further two PL2 appearances for Arsenal.

He also has 16 Under-18 Premier League outings under his belt in 2021-22.

Ibrahim has also featured at centre-back and right-back as well as in midfield.