For the Nike Academy, it's all about getting noticed. From playing football in Japan as a student to signing for one of Europe’s biggest football clubs, Ryo Miyaichi knows what it takes to impress! As he lined up against the Nike Academy at Arsenal's training complex, he acted as a perfect reminder to the Academy students that you never know when your big break might come!
After catching the eyes of Arsenal scouts during the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, Miyaichi went on to convince Arsène Wenger of his raw talent during an Arsenal trial in 2010. Pitch-side to watch the action unfold as the Nike Academy took on the Londoners, SoccerBible was given access to Asenal's baby-faced speedster to talk football boots, Arsenal and everything else.
Known for his explosive pace and dribbling, the Japanese teenager has already established a strong reputation across Europe. After a successful 12-game loan spell with Feyenoord last season that yielded three goals and five assists, Arsenal fans are excited to have one of the games most exciting young prospects wearing the red and white.
Where football boots are concerned, Miyaichi is a recognised Mercurial wearer, after becoming the first player to be spotted in the Mercurial Vapor VII last year during his time at Feyenoord. As a pacey winger, his choice in footwear doesn't come as any surprise. ''My speed is my pride. (The boots) are good for speed and they fit my game style.''
Ryo Miyaichi was in the Arsenal side lined up to face the Nike Academy. After his recent loan move to Bolton, we can expect to see more of the Japanese teenager in the Premier League. For more info on the match, click here, or to see our recent interview with Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain click here. Share your thoughts and join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.