Meet Ayden Heaven, 18, Arsenal defender and fan who is built like Patrick Vieira and idolises surprise ex-Gunners duo
IN Ayden Heaven, it seems Arsenal have got one hell of a player.
The 18-year-old centre-back made his competitive senior debut in the Gunners’ 3-0 win at Preston in the Carabao Cup fourth round – from the bench in the 80th minute.
Before that, he was one of several academy stars to feature on the club’s pre-season summer tour of the States with boss Mikel Arteta starting him against Manchester United.
Heaven – standing at 6ft 3in and a left-footer – was at fault for United’s opener, outmuscled and outpaced by Rasmus Hojlund, but he recovered well as Arsenal won the game 2-1.
He has gone from strength to strength since then, looking good on living up to his potential and the lofty expectations Arsenal have of him to succeed.
HOW DO THEY PLAY AND WHO DO THEY REMIND YOU OF?
The first thing you notice about Heaven is his size and physicality, the body of a young, raw Patrick Vieira who is not afraid to get stuck in.
As shown against Hojlund in the summer, Heaven still needs time to bulk up and prove he can mix it with the biggest and most intimidating strikers in the Prem.
But Arteta is happy to remain calm in that department, mainly because of Heaven’s technique and calmness on the ball.
Avid watchers of Arsenal’s academy sides know Heaven very rarely loses his cool, appears unflappable in possession and has the ability to ping cross-field balls like a prime Steven Gerrard.
Arteta will be hoping Arsenal have another William Saliba-style defender in the making – one who is big, quick and able to start attacks from deep.
TELL US ABOUT THEIR RISE?
Heaven is extremely highly thought of at Arsenal, having also made the bench for Arsenal’s last 16 first Champions League clash at Porto back in February.
He is now a trusted member of the senior squad, expected to step up when called upon, especially after Arsenal’s injury woes at the start of this campaign.
After featuring against Preston, Heaven said: “I’ve waited a long time. Today the day finally came, I’m just happy. I thank my team-mates, my family and everyone that’s got me here.
“I feel like Mikel has trust in me. I feel that’s a big part in it and yeah, I just feel like there’s trust when it comes to making your competitive debut.”
Heaven signed for the Gunners in 2019 after being released by West Ham as a 12-year-old, having also had trials at Chelsea and Fulham – turning down the latter because training was too far from his north London home in Edmonton.
Before being picked up by Arsenal, he played for Sunday League outfit Levels – a grassroots club who give players opportunities to compete against elite football academies.
But Arsenal were always going to be his first pick given he was a boyhood fan – his idols being Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott.
Heaven explained: “Arsenal were knocking on the door and that made more sense given that, firstly I’m a fan, but also the location was much more convenient.
“Hale End was only a 15-minute drive, so everything fell into place perfectly. Signing for the club I’ve supported and my mum was so happy for me – she even cried!
“My family are so important, they’re my motivation, I’ve got two younger siblings and an older sister that mean the world to me.”
Heaven flourished under former Arsenal U18s coach Jack Wilshere, helping him get chances in the first team and training under Arteta at London Colney.
The teenager added: “The intensity is crazy! You get dizzy sometimes because it’s at such a quick tempo. The difference between under-18s, under-21s and the first team is unbelievable.”
I don’t know how many players are able to do that on a stage like this at his age
ARTETA AFTER PRE-SEASON GAME AGAINST MAN UTD
WHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING?
Arteta is not one for over-hyping a young player too quickly, but the Spaniard had some nice words to say about Heaven after the pre-season victory over United.
He said post-match: “At 17, I don’t know how many players are able to do that on a stage like this.
“He’s lost a duel against one of the strongest and fastest players in the world, it can happen.
“But the reaction afterwards, the composure, the quality, the body language that he had were all remarkable. I’m really happy with him.”
WHAT DOES THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD?
Heaven’s future at Arsenal is not set in stone. After signing scholarship terms with the club last summer, he is yet to begin serious talks over a new deal.
His contract expires in June 2025. There is confidence an agreement can be made for such a young talent in the coming months.
If not, there are big European clubs sniffing around, including Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, who famously developed young English stars like Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham and Jamie Gittens.
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