Pre-Match Report

U-19s: Olympiacos v Arsenal - Preview

Stephy Mavididi

By Lloyd Webb

Stephy Maivdidi knows that to be the best, you have to play against the best.

The striker has already impressed in the Uefa Youth League, but also had the chance to compare his development to some of the world’s top talent when he travelled to the Under-17s World Cup in Chile with England.

Mavididi was joined by Arsenal team-mates Chris Willock and Kaylen Hinds, but the Three Lions crashed out during the group stage.

"We always go out to win so we will have to work hard in training and prepare well"

Stephy Mavididi

The 17-year-old has returned to the club in good form, scoring in his last two games for the under-21s and under-19s after coming off the bench.

The Gunners need at least a draw against Olympiacos - if other results go against them - to secure qualification to the knock-out stages of the Uefa Youth League and Mavididi will be looking to use his international experience to seal three points.

“Going out there, facing the best players at your age in the world is a very good experience,” he told Arsenal.com. "You are playing against some very good players and comparing yourself to where you are in the world stage.

“It was a good experience for me and the other boys that went [to the World Cup] - hopefully we can build on that and try to pass on that experience to some of the young boys who will hopefully get that opportunity in the future.

“I had to adapt to new game situations and work on game management as we played in different types of ways. It was a good learning curve for me."

“I think we have enough ability in this group of players to go out and perform at Olympiacos, whatever side the manager decides to put out,” he continued. "I think it is going to be a very tough game as Olympiacos are a good side. We are going to have to fight until the end and hopefully get the three points.

“We always go out to win so we will have to work hard in training and prepare well to get the win in Greece."

Follow @Arsenal on Twitter from 3.55pm (UK time) on Wednesday for live updates of the game against Olympiacos Under-19s.

 

 

 

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