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Mexican wonderkid Marcelo Flores didn't play a single minute in Arsenal's 3-0 Monday debacle against Crystal Palace, but he still found a way to look on the bright side of his first-ever call-up to the Gunners' first squad.
"Unfortunate result but loved the environment and experience, COYG," he wrote on his Instagram, 24 hours after the defeat.
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Marcelo Flores First Arsenal Call-Up
The 18-year-old is constantly praised on social media because of his skills. His progression during this year has been a testament to that acclaim.
Flores started the campaign in the Arsenal U-18 team, but after a few months, he went through the U-20 and U-23 squads. His talent hasn't been unnoticed by Mikel Arteta, who has invited him to train with the first squad a few times in the past.
However, sitting on the bench for a Premier League game is just another level, and Rubén Flores – Marcelo's dad – could barely contain his emotion once he learned his son would be on Arsenal's first team. In fact, he published the news before the Gunners did.
So proud and excited with the first call up of @marceloflores with the first team @arsenal
Good luck son ❤️ you’ve been preparing all your life for moments like this #Flor3s— Ruben Flores ⚽️ (@Ruboflores) April 3, 2022
Flores' call-up came a few days after he played two friendly games for Mexico U-20 and thrashed Uruguay with rabonas and a brace.
The performance of Flores with el Tri U-20 has been nothing different from fantastic, and a growing and noisy choir is asking Gerardo Martino to consider him in the adult squad of the Mexican national team and take him to the 2022 World Cup.
So far, Martino has resisted the mermaid calls – except for a non-FIFA friendly vs. Chile – but if Arteta keeps calling Flores and giving him chances in Arsenal's first squad, it would be difficult for Tata to justify Marcelo's omission.
