Published: 19 January, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

NOT many junior football teams in the world could boast an upcoming red-hot prospect named van Persie in their attack, writes Steve Barnett.

But for top youth team FC Sapo Verde that dream is very much reality as the Gunners’ captain Robin’s son Shaqueel is lighting up their training sessions.

Club manager Mike Powell is convinced that the five-year-old is going to be a chip off the old block, “He is clearly a talent for the future,” he said.
“His natural talent, enthusiasm and attitude is first class.

“I remember the coach asking the group of players to simply dribble the length of the pitch and, even at age three, Shaqueel had the ball glued to his toe.”

There was talk that Shaqueel is following his dad to Arsenal.

Mike joked: “I didn’t expect to lose anyone in the transfer window. If he did leave we will all be really sorry to see him go. He is a lovely lad and is a valued member of our club.”