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When Konstantinas Sarsanija, the head coach of the Klaipeda "Atlantas" team, recently announced that his students Donatas Kazlauskas, Dovydas Virksas, and Ricardas Sveikauskas would go to London's "Arsenal" club for a trial in January, many simply smiled and did not believe it. However, the Russian was not lying - both D.Virksas and D.Kazlauskas are currently in London trying to prove their worth. R.Sveikauskas missed the opportunity due to an injury.
Numerous Lithuanians arrived in London on January 5th and are training with the reserves and U-21 team at the famous "Arsenal" club. Alongside the "Atlantas" boys, players like Benik Afobe, Thomas Eisfeld, and others who often train with the first team and are considered very promising are also working hard.
Speaking to Futbolo.TV, D.Kazlauskas expressed his joy at the opportunity: "When I found out that I would go to London, it was hard to believe. I was really surprised when the coach informed me. The first impressions are great, the conditions here are just ideal. So far, things are going quite well, we are training with the reserves, and we also met Arsene Wenger," said the young player who shone in the A League last season.
D.Kazlauskas and D.Virksas had the opportunity to chat with Arsene Wenger himself and Arsenal scout chief Steve Rowley during dinner. This was announced publicly on the Arsenal academy's Twitter account.
As the local press writes, every player invited to a trial at Arsenal and later given the opportunity to chat with Arsene Wenger must have "something special". By way of comparison, the British use the example of Cesc Fabregas - he joined Arsenal at a very young age and unable to speak the language, but Wenger helped him not only adapt, learn the language, but also become one of the best players in his position on the planet.
