Benik Afobe is a 19 year old Arsenal Striker from London. He joined their academy aged just six, and learnt his trade in the club’s academy. During his time playing at youth level for Arsenal, Benik put together a string of impressive seasons, scoring 40 goals in a season at under 16 level and attracting interest from the likes of Barcelona before putting pen to paper on his first professional contract in 2010. Afobe has been dubbed the next big thing by loads of people in football, and looks certain to have a big impact at the Gunners once he comes of age.

Afobe has represented England at loads of youth levels, and has scored a lot of goals for his country. He equalled Michael Owen’s Victory Shield record of 4 goals in 3 games back in 2008, and won the u-17 European Championship the following year. He has been called up to the Under 21s but unfortunately had to pull out injured.

In 2010, Huddersfield boss Lee Clark brought him to the club on loan, and was impressed by his performances at the club, at one stage winning four man of the match awards in a row. He scored 8 goals in 32 games for the club, along with a shedload of assists.

In 2011, Benik returned to Arsenal and made his professional debut for the club in the Emirates cup, impressing after coming on as a sub for Jack Wilshere. He showed a goalscoring touch in his performances at reserve level for the club and if it weren’t for an injury in August 2011 we may have seen him in first team action for the gunners. He returned from his long term injury in February, scoring against Norwich at reserve level.

Benik recently joined Reading on loan, and looks set to show what he can do at Championship level. Be sure to keep your eye out for this young man, a young Englishman who looks destined for greatness. Benik Afobe, The North Stand salutes you!