Young Gun: Theo Julienne | Young gun | News

Our Young Gun series gets to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at Sobha Realty Training Centre.

Theo Julienne spoke to us recently, and here's what he had to say about his footballing upbringing, taking a year off and looking up to Martin Odegaard.

I grew up in west London, near Ruislip, and football has always been a big part of my life. My dad and brother both played, so I naturally followed in their footsteps. From the age of three, I was out in the garden kicking a ball with my brother, and I loved every minute of it. My dad played semi-pro, and my brother played locally, so I constantly tagged along and soaked it all in. 

I was a Liverpool fan growing up. Steven Gerrard was my biggest inspiration – his leadership, skill, and drive were qualities I admired and wanted to replicate. More recently, Trent Alexander-Arnold is someone I look up to. His story resonates with me because, like him, I started as a midfielder but have transitioned to playing as a right back at times. I’d love to incorporate some of his game into my own style. 

The first team I played for was Wealdstone, a local club that’s now in the National League. Back then, they were a much smaller side, but it’s amazing to see how far they’ve come. At nine, I joined Watford and played there for two years. However, I hit a point where I wasn’t enjoying football as much – it started to feel like a chore rather than something I loved. So, I decided to take a year off to recharge and rediscover my passion. 

During that time, I explored other sports and played for fun at school, which helped me fall back in love with the game. Eventually, I returned to playing locally, and it all came together when we won a big tournament with lots of scouts watching. That’s when Arsenal took notice.

My trial with Arsenal happened during the Covid era, which made it quite challenging. After two weeks of training, we went into a long lockdown, and it was months before I could play again. But four weeks after we returned, I got the call – I was officially joining the under-13s. It was such a relief and an exciting opportunity. The group I joined was fantastic, and many of the same players are still here today. We’ve grown and developed together, which has been amazing. 

"I stepped in at right back, did well and it's been part of my skillset ever since"

One standout moment from my Hale End days was winning the Liam Brady Cup. It was our final tournament at Hale End, and going out on a high like that – lifting the trophy – was unforgettable. 

Earning my scholarship was another huge milestone for me. I actually secured it a year early, at under-15s, so by the time I officially started, it felt like a long time coming. Being at the Sobha Realty Training Centre is incredible – it’s the perfect place to grow. Training alongside the first team is a massive learning experience. Seeing their intensity, professionalism and quality firsthand is eye-opening. Martin Odegaard, in particular, stands out. The way he trains, his focus, and his leadership set the standard for everyone. He’s a top player and a brilliant role model.

Seeing academy graduates like Jack Porter, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Josh Nichols, Ethan Nwaneri, and Ayden Heaven make first-team appearances is so inspiring. It shows that if you work hard and stay consistent, the opportunities will come. Jack is in my scholarship class, so seeing him get those chances makes me realise how close we all are to breaking through. 

Playing for the under-18s this season has been a great experience, and competing in the UEFA Youth League has been a real eye-opener. European teams approach the game differently – they’ll do anything to win, and their styles are so diverse. It’s fascinating to see how they adapt, and it’s helped me learn and grow as a player. 

I see myself as a midfielder who can do a bit of everything. I’m energetic, versatile, and always looking to impact the game. I can also fill in at right back, which started at a tournament in Brazil with the under-15s when our regular right back got injured. I stepped in, did well, and it’s been part of my skillset ever since. While I'm primarily a midfielder, I know being adaptable is crucial in modern football. Myles is a great example – he’s played as a midfielder in the academy but slotted in at left back for the first team. That kind of versatility is invaluable. 

Before games, I like to keep things light. I focus on staying relaxed, enjoying time with my teammates, and not overthinking. But once the whistle blows, it’s all business – I’m fully focused and ready to give everything to help the team win.