Which players came through the famous ‘Hale End’ Academy? Arsenal’s youth system has produced some of the best footballing talent

Arsenal’s academy is known as one of the best in the world and they have produced some superb talent over the years. 

The Gunners’ youth system is referred to as ‘Hale End’ due to its location in north London and it has a rich history of success. 

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Iconic manager Arsene Wenger once claimed: “We don’t buy superstars, we make them.”

And many names built in the academy have gone on to make waves in the footballing world.

One player destined for that future was Jack Wilshere. However, after retiring early due to injury, he is now manager of Arsenal U18s and has led them to the FA Youth Cup Final this season.

So with the success of the academy continuing, marvelbet369.com takes a look at some of the best talents to come from Arsenal’s famous youth system…

David O’Leary

David O’Leary is Arsenal’s all-time top appearance maker, playing for the club 722 times after coming through the academy. 

O’Leary joined in 1973 as an apprentice before remaining at the club for 20 years and becoming a legend. 

He won the league, FA Cup and League Cup twice each throughout his time with the Gunners. 

David Rocastle 

Chants of David Rocastle’s name can still be heard each week at the Emirates, with fans continuing to remember one of the most popular players in the club’s history. 

Rocastle came through the ‘Hale End’ youth system and went on to win two league titles and a League Cup before leaving in 1991. 

He then sadly passed away after a battle with cancer at the age of 33 but remains a Gunners legend and will always be remembered as one of the best at the club. 

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Tony Adams 

Another icon of the club is Tony Adams who also was Arsenal through and through.

He is known as one of the Gunners’ greatest-ever captains and defenders, making 669 appearances for the club. 

Adams led the club to many successes after becoming skipper at the age of 21, winning four league crowns, five domestic cups and one European title. 

Ashley Cole 

Cole is one of Europe’s best-ever left-backs and is one of the greatest defenders in England’s history. 

He made his Arsenal first team debut in 1999 after coming through the academy and went on to win two Premier League titles as well as three FA Cups, with one of those titles being the infamous ‘Invincibles’ season. 

He then moved on to play for Chelsea where he won seven more pieces of silverware, including a Champions League. 

Cesc Fabregas 

Fabregas was brought to the ‘Hale End’ academy at the age of 16 and he instantly made his mark.

His performances for the youth teams led to Wenger handing him his first team debut aged 16 years and 177 days, making him Arsenal’s youngest-ever player at the time.

After making 300 appearances for the Gunners he moved on to Barcelona before playing for Chelsea and Monaco, winning the World Cup and Euros on the international stage.  

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Joe Willock

Willock was one of three brothers who came through the Arsenal academy and he made it to the fringes of the first team. 

He was then sold to Newcastle for £25million after a successful loan and that is when his talent shone through. 

Willock is now a major part of the impressive Magpies side under Eddie Howe this season, with a stunning assist against Tottenham showcasing his ability. 

Bukayo Saka 

‘Starboy’ Saka is the man currently flying the flag for ‘Hale End’ academy.  

He has been Arsenal’s best player in their fight for the Premier League title this season and is one of the top young talents in Europe. 

He joined the Gunners’ youth system at the age of seven and has risen up the ranks to now become one of his club and country’s most talented players. 

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And many more… 

There are many, many more names that can be listed as players who have had successful careers after playing in the ‘Hale End’ Academy. 

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Andy Cole, Ray Parlour, Paul Merson, Nicolas Anelka, David Bentley, Wojciech Szczesny, Hector Bellerin, Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe are just some of those names. 

And with the academy heading towards more success this season under Wilshere, there is likely to be even more players added to this ever-growing list of talent.