Young Gun: Louis Zecevic John

Our Young Gun series returns for 2024/25 as we get to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at Sobha Realty Training Centre.

First year scholar Louis Zecevic John spoke to us for the Wolves matchday programme, and here's what he had to say about where his love for football came from, scoring 21 goals in six games and more.

"I grew up in Camden with my mum and dad. My dad has always been a football fan and got me into the sport when I was just four years old. Growing up, I was inspired by Sadio Mane. My dad is a big Liverpool fan, and I loved Mane's game, finishing, and work rate. 

"I went to King Alfred's School in Barnet, where football was my main sport, but I was also into athletics and did sprinting, high jump, and other events. 

"The first team I played for was Regent's Park, starting at six and staying until I was about 11. It was this age in 2019, at the Gothia Cup, I made a name for myself by scoring 21 goals in six games, setting a record. Although we only made it to the quarterfinals, there were a few 7-0 and 6-0 victories along the way. After that tournament, I got a trial at Watford. I didn’t really enjoy it though as they played me out of position and I was playing a year up, which made it harder.

"Signing a scholarship was huge, I was buzzing!"

"Luckily, Per Mertesacker’s kids attended my school at the time, and he sometimes saw me playing for the school team. He contacted my mum, leading to a trial for Arsenal’s development squad. My trial lasted around a year and a half due to Covid. 

"Joining Arsenal was incredible—it’s a big club. Although I was physically advanced for my age, transitioning from a Saturday league club to Arsenal was a massive step. I initially struggled technically, but Arsenal helped me adapt and I saw myself improving steadily. 

"The standout moments from my Hale End days include playing well against the U12 squad with the development team. This was when the Arsenal staff truly believed in me, and from there, it was onwards and upwards. While at Hale End, I’ve had the opportunity to visit amazing places like America (one of my best tours performance-wise), France, Spain, Brazil, Portugal, and Germany. 

"Signing a scholarship was huge! I was told quite early on, around under-15s, that they wanted me to stay and offered me a two-year scholarship. I was buzzing! 

"My parents have always encouraged me to push hard for a scholarship, expecting big things if I maximised my abilities and played well. I’ve already played and scored a few goals for the under-18s last season, and I’m looking forward to a full season with the squad. 

"Representing Serbia at youth level has been amazing and I definitely made my family proud. I speak fluent Serbian, thanks to my mum, who said that I should speak Serbian at my grandma’s house so I never really had a choice! My dad's family heritage is St Lucian and Dominican. 

"All the players are brilliant. I'm really close to my scholarship class, and I’m excited to play with them this year. Being coached by Jack Wilshere is amazing. He’s played at a high level, knows what he’s talking about, and I’ve learned so much from him already. 

"This season, I aim to play in higher age groups, including the under-21s, and I hope to train with the first team again. My first experience was tough but an eye-opener. On game day, my ritual starts when I wake up. I listen to calming music in the morning and switch to more up beat tunes in the dressing room to get me pumped up. My favourite artists include Lil Baby, Drake and Gunna. 

"Last year I also got the chance to undertake my work experience with the club’s photography team. Taking photos with Stuart and Pricey was amazing, they made me feel really comfortable and I was allowed to try new things with their cameras and my photos started piecing together and looking quite good. 

"It was really interesting to see all the behind the scenes stuff and I’m so very grateful for it. It was a new experience for me, but I've always had an interest in photography through taking pics on my phone. I thank them so much for letting me have that opportunity."

Quickfire questions

THE PAST

Favourite Arsenal player of all-time: Thierry Henry 
Earliest Arsenal memory: Playing in the Arsenal Development Squad vs the U12 Arsenal youth team and performing very well 
Favourite goal I've ever scored: Against Reading with my weaker foot 
Football memory that makes me smile: The whole of the 2018 Florida tour 
Moment I realised I could make it: Feeling confident when playing higher age groups and having coaches praise my games
A piece of advice I would give to my younger self: Every time I think I can’t do more, push that one bit harder 
Best subject in school: English 
First player who made me fall in love with football: Sadio Mane 
My position growing up: Defender at six, midfielder at eight and every attacking position since the age of nine
Coach who has impacted my game most: Max Porter, at a young age he definitely challenged me and made me the player I am now

THE PRESENT

Favourite rising baller: Nico Williams 
My best attribute on the field: Definitely my pace 
Favourite food: Mac and cheese 
Favourite drink: Calypso lemon
Favourite current Arsenal player: Bukayo Saka 
Favourite movie: Jumanji 
Hardest working teammates: Ife Ibrahim and Theo Julienne 
Most skillful teammate: Max Dowman 
Score or Assist: Score 
Sliders or Crocs: Sliders 
Favourite training drill: Small-sided games 
Favourite music artist: Lil Baby 
Country I’d love to visit: Saint Lucia 
Strong Young Gunners are Sustainable Gunners. Tell us one thing you’re doing to help the environment: Making sure I recycle everything

THE FUTURE

If I could play with anyone: Kylian Mbappe 
I will be happy with my career: If I make it to the Premier League
I want to make a difference by: Embracing my talent to the world and hopefully inspiring 
One thing I want to add to my game: Being more versatile
If I could get a degree in anything: Law 
Trophy I would love to win: World Cup
Dream first-team squad number: 7 or 11