Blackpool manager Michael Appleton has praised on-loan Arsenal midfielder Charlie Patino for his outstanding performances this season.
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The 18-year-old played in Blackpool’s 0-0 draw at Sunderland on Tuesday, and Appleton believes Patino is one of the best ball-playing midfielders he’s ever seen.
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Patino made his senior debut for Arsenal last season but was allowed to leave the club in the summer in order to gain more playing time.
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Following the game, Michael Appleton stated:
“18 years old he still is, he can deal with the ball in any area of the pitch, go past people left side, right side.”
“I said when he came to the club he’s as good as anything I’ve seen dealing with the ball and with good movement of the ball as you’ve seen tonight he can play as a six, can play as a ten, can play as an eight.”
“He’s got a really, really good future ahead of him.‘It’s important that we’ve got certain players in the team that can do that and deal with the ball. Charlie’s already been mentioned but I thought he was outstanding tonight, especially in that second half.”
“He controlled the game, it was his game, he played at his tempo when he wanted to speed it up he sped it up, when he wanted to slow it down he slowed it down, when he wanted to switch the play he did it. It was a very mature performance from a very young lad.”