Arsenal academy chief Liam Brady rates Stoke City winger Jermaine Pennant the most talented youngster they've seen at the club.

Brady was discussing the problems they face with keeping their young pros focused.

"You've got guys writing blogs about them, how they're playing in the Under 15s," he told 442.

"You've got our players tweeting, giving these people information about their lives - telling them what they're up to. They think they're celebrities.

"Take Jermaine Pennant, perhaps the most technical player ever to play for our academy or our youth team. Instinct, control, great crosser of the ball, good striker of the ball, speed.

"But he had some difficulties growing up, and actually where he has got to with his life has been a success.

"But he didn't have what it took from an overall perspective to stay here and work with Arsene Wenger."