Ayden Heaven's inclusion in the Arsenal squad for a pre-season tour of the United States did not raise any eyebrows. Arsenal were still missing defenders who had played in the European Championship and the tour seemed like the perfect chance for Mikel Arteta to blood in some youth.
What may have raised eyebrows, was when 17-year-old Heaven started the first game, and then the second, against Manchester United. Perhaps more surprising, was how comfortable Heaven looked in both games.
Heaven played minutes against Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen too, without looking out of place. He looked comfortable, in fact, assured.
As a six-foot-two-tall 17-year-old, Heaven is still growing into his frame. His defending is aggressive, often following strikers deep to try to hook his long legs around and pinch the ball away. It can sometimes leave him caught out with the pace at senior level, but the young defender is no slouch, racing back when he needs to cover.
At this stage, however, his enormous talent is mostly shown when the ball is at his feet. Heaven played as a midfielder throughout his earlier Arsenal academy career and it shows when he dribbles past the players in front of him, often surging into the midfield when dribbling out from the back.
His passing range is superb, capable of playing those long-range diagonals that Arteta demands from his first team. It remains to be seen whether Heaven will continue in defence or move back into midfield but he has certainly shown his ability at the back.
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His career so far
Heaven started his young career around 20 minutes down the road, at West Ham’s academy in Romford. He joined the Hammers when he was eight, staying there for four years before they let him go. Short stints at Chelsea and Fulham followed soon enough, before Arsenal showed an interest and Heaven jumped at the chance to sign for the club he had supported from childhood.
Speaking on signing for Arsenal, Heaven said: “When they officially decided to sign me, it was the best feeling ever! Signing for the club I’ve supported and my mum was so happy for me – she even cried! “
After gaining his scholarship, Heaven’s development has surged. Despite still being 17, the defender has become a key part of Mehmet Ali’s U21s side and regularly features for the England U18s.
The defender had his first taste of the first team last season, when he was named on the bench for Arsenal’s Champions League last 16 first leg against FC Porto. Heaven is often seen training with the first team, indicating his proximity to making a breakthrough in Arteta’s squad.
While the prospect is yet to make a competitive senior appearance, his performance against Manchester United in preseason will likely place him under Arteta’s immediate considerations.
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A brave display in the US
Heaven faced a difficult start when Rasmus Hojlund took advantage of a long ball forward by running at the young defender and muscling him off. It was a momentary lapse in judgement from the teenager, who had backed off slightly and allowed the Dane to run at him.
Many players, especially so young, would have dropped their heads and played it safe after that but not Heaven. The defender could be seen faking past Casemiro and Mason Mount deep in the Manchester United half shortly after.
Heaven’s remaining minutes on the pitch were packed full of touches, line-breaking passes and last-ditch challenges. It was an excellent display in bravery and confidence in front of an audience of over 60,000 and against one of Arsenal’s bitter rivals.
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Arsenal future
Heaven’s next first-team involvement may well come against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, 25 September. The game should serve as a great chance for some of Arsenal’s emerging youth players to present themselves in front of the Emirates Stadium faithful.
Any immediate game-time is likely to come in defence, but the youngster still is yet to discover what the main position he will play in the coming years will be.
As he grows into his body, it’s possible he could fit into a Gabriel-type mould. With a left-foot preference and an aggressive defending style, Heaven could well become the player partnered with a covering William Saliba-type.
That is not to understate Gabriel’s ability on the ball, though. If there’s anything we have learned about Arteta over the last five years, it’s that all of his players must be great with the ball and without it.
Alternatively, a move into midfield could see Heaven play a more Declan Rice-like role on the left side, or base of the midfield. Tough tackling, constant movement and a willingness to drive forward with the ball are all traits Heaven seems to be developing and his long legs could well be key in making those important tackles that kill counter-attacks.
Knowing Arteta, fans likely should not rule a move to full-back out of the question either, but Heaven’s height should deem that unlikely.
Whatever way, the young player’s future is incredibly bright and as this fresh batch of Hale End graduates make their way into this strong Arsenal team, Heaven will certainly be at the forefront.
