Arsenal forward Wellington Silva scores a golazo for Alcoyano vs Villarreal II

Wellington Silva is a player Arsenal fans all know about, yet few have ever seen him play.

Here are some facts about the 19-year-old Brazilian.

In January 2011 he signed for Arsenal from Fluminese for a reported £3.5m. He played in a reserve match against Manchester United (he scored) as well as a closed-doors friendly against Dagenham & Redbridge (scored two). Silva was then denied a work visa for, what one can assume, was a wafer thin dossier of playing time whilst in the capital.

He was shipped off to Levante, where his progress was equally stunted. Silva made two league appearances (Almeria and Zaragoza) in a total of 36 minutes, adding a friendly goal against Belgium side Lierse during the calander year.

He was then moved by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger onto Segunda Division side Alcoyano at the start of 2012, who were languishing in 17th place in the 22-team league when he unpacked. Yet that lowly league position has afforded the teenager more minutes playing time than he’s had up till now. The Brazilian has so far clocked 260 minutes in six games (always a substitute), but last weekend he staked a claim for a first team start with a consolation beauty in a 4-3 loss to Villarreal II.

In a wonderful movement of poise and purpose Wellington Silva jinked in between two opponents as the Arsenal starlet cut in from the left, advanced to the edge of the box, before arching an arrow into the far top corner. It was picture perfect.

Watch Wellington Silva’s golazo here.

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