Arsenal has undergone a remarkable transformation since their midwinter break, securing four consecutive wins and thrusting themselves back into contention for the Premier League title.
While the team’s attacking prowess has been evident, one former Arsenal prospect has particularly stood out this season, outperforming current Gunners like Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Here’s a comparison of their statistics:
Player Appearances Goals Assists
Gabriel Jesus 23 8 5
Gabriel Martinelli 28 7 3
Leandro Trossard 28 9 2
(Source: Transfermarkt)
Surprisingly, this player, who has excelled, surpassing Martinelli and Trossard’s goal tallies this season and matching Gabriel Jesus’ numbers across all competitions, once wore the Arsenal badge.
That player is none other than Borussia Dortmund’s Dutch sensation, Donyell Malen. Despite never making a competitive first-team appearance for Arsenal, Malen showcased promise during his time in the club’s youth setup, scoring 18 goals and providing nine assists in 57 appearances across various levels.
Following his stint at Arsenal, Malen made his mark at PSV, where he garnered attention with his impressive performances. His prolific goal-scoring record caught the eye of Borussia Dortmund, who secured his services for around £26m in 2021.
Although Malen’s initial years at Dortmund were somewhat subdued, marked by injuries, this season has seen a resurgence in his form. The 25-year-old has already notched ten goals and three assists in 28 appearances, reaffirming his status as a formidable forward.
His resurgence highlights what could have been for Arsenal, especially considering his exponential increase in value since his departure. Sold for a mere £200k, Malen’s current valuation stands at around €60m, a staggering 25400% surge according to the CIES Football Observatory.
While Malen may not have been a central figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad, his talent could have provided a significant boost, particularly in the tightly contested title race.
