‘Full of promise’… 19-year-old has really impressive debut last night after leaving Arsenal in January

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Although Arsenal weren’t necessarily busy with players arriving in January, a fair few did leave, including a few reputable youngsters. 

If there’s one frustration with Arsenal’s project under Mikel Arteta, it is probably the erosion of the path to the academy.

In truth, a Hale End graduate hasn’t really made a consistent impact in the senior squad since 22-year-old Bukayo Saka.

That being said, Arteta shouldn’t necessarily be criticised for this, there’s a lot of factors at play.

Firstly, his project has seen a sharp upwards trajectory of late – the standards in the first-team are incredibly high.

Secondly, it’s not as if a ready made young star has left the club recently, perhaps recent groups just haven’t quite had the talent.

However, Lino Sousa did look to be a player right on the periphery of that borderline, someone who could have a first-team future.

Of course, Sousa did decide to leave Arsenal for Aston Villa in January.

And having moved to Plymouth Argyle on loan almost immediately after, he’s now already begun to demonstrate his rich ability.

Lino Sousa shines on Championship debut after decision to leave Arsenal in January

Sousa recently explained his reasoning behind leaving Arsenal last month, which is already being vindicated.

And following his debut for Plymouth in a 2-2 draw against Coventry City last night, Plymouth Live did rate his individual performance.

Sousa played 61 minutes at left-wing-back and showed a lot of attacking promise.

The outlet rated his debut: “The 19-year-old Aston Villa loanee gave Argyle good attacking impetus in his role as left wing-back.

“For a full debut it was one which offered lots of promise for the rest of the season.

“He should only get better with more game-time after only joining the Pilgrims on transfer deadline day.”

Of course, Sousa’s career will still be an interesting one for Arsenal fans to follow, even if he deemed it necessary to leave in January.

Given his words, Sousa must be hoping that this loan move will preclude a chance with Unai Emery’s first team next season, something we’ll have to wait to see.

That being said, another former Arsenal player was incredibly good in the Champions League last night.