It was only a small-sided game at the end of a session at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground, but heads were turned when teenage striker Chuba Akpom, called over to join them, cut in from the left flank and curled the ball, side-footed, around the goalkeeper to score. The move echoed a former time and a former forward, as if the ghost of Thierry Henry was still haunting the centre’s pitches with his trademark dribble and finish. Alexis Sanchez came running over to Akpom, leaping around excitedly and shouting ‘Titi, Titi, Titi, Titi!’ Arsenal's teenage striker Chuba Akpom has been compared to club legend Thierry Henry . Thierry Henry was Akpom's idol growing up and the youngster is keen to emulate his success . Akpom (left), walks to training with Arsenal team-mates Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck . There is still a long, long way to go until the 19-year-old gets anywhere near close to his idol Henry, but nicknames tend to stick around. ‘One day in training with the first team I scored an Henry-type goal, cutting inside and finishing,’ Akpom tells Sportsmail. ‘I could see Sanchez jumping, he’ s an enthusiastic guy at the best of times and he’s going: “Titi, Titi, Titi, Titi!” ‘The next morning he came to me and said “Titi.” 'Then the next morning he came to me and said “Titi.” I asked: 'hold on is this my new nickname?' That’s how it came about and it’s stuck since then. ‘Now the lads just call me Titi or Thierry Henry - I’ll take that. It’s not a bad comparison to have. ‘He was my idol growing up. Playing for the academy and watching Arsenal’s first team I used to see players like Henry scoring every week and it really inspired me.’ Akpom was born and bred in east London’s Canning Town and joined Arsenal aged six. Akpom closes down Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster during September's League Cup tie . Akpom celebrates after scoring during the 2014 International Tournament match with Holland . England U20 play Mexico U20 at 7.45pm on Wednesday 25 March at The Hive, Barnet FC. Tickets for the game at The Hive are priced at £3 for adults and £1.50 for kids and can be purchased by calling 0208 381 3800 or at www.venuetoolbox.com/thehivelondon . Manager Arsene Wenger has been so impressed with his progress the Frenchman has him training with the first team and has included him regularly on the bench this season, featuring several times in the Premier League and FA Cup. Even if the Henry comparisons are premature, there is no denying Akpom is beginning to make his mark where it matters. ‘I’m with the senior team now in the changing room and on the training ground,’ he adds. ‘It’s all about getting familiar with the environment and the players and getting as much game time as I can. ‘A lot of them are international players, a lot are England players; Calum Chambers, Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott, Danny Welbeck, Kieran Gibbs. I look up to them. 'They’ve made it into the England senior team. It’s good to be around them and get good advice.’ Akpom is a right-footed front man but likes to drop out wide to the left flank to torment full-backs. Sound familiar? His is quick and skilful with a sharp finish. Most importantly, he scores goal. For Arsenal youth teams and England Under 15 to Under 20 level, bucketfuls of them. Akpom in the thick of the action during Arsenal's Premier League win over Aston Villa last month . The teenage striker celebrates after Nacho Monreal converts the winning penalty in a League Cup tie at West Brom last season . ‘People keep telling me having a child is the best feeling,’ he says. ‘I haven’ t had that yet I’m too young, but when I score goals - I’d be surprised if you beat that feeling.’ He cites one of the game’s greatest goal-scorers, the Brazilian Ronaldo, as another idol and closer to home is aiming at the top. But, unlike the lightning runs down the left wing, he understands all of that will come slowly. ‘Wayne Rooney is another player I look up to,’ he explains. ‘He’s the captain of the national team and that’s something I would like to try to do. ‘I’d love to be a captain - of England and Arsenal. Leading by example off the pitch and on it. It would be a dream. ‘Right now, it’s about getting in the squad first. You look at Luke Shaw, see him go to the World Cup last summer, it shows you how fast things can change. ‘Raheem Sterling is a good friend of mine, Ross Barkley; young players are getting their chance. But now it’s about taking it step-by-step. There’s no rush.’ The Together for England Roadshow is a nationwide drive aimed at inspiring current and future Three Lions fans by strengthening the national side’s relationship with local communities. Following on from the release of the England DNA philosophy, the roadshows will look to encourage a consistent thread of national pride aimed at creating a better England, both on and off-the-field.
19-year-old Akpom scored Thierry Henry-esque goal in training . It led to an his team-mates comparing him to Arsenal's French icon . Akpom has been involved in Arsene Wenger's first team squad . He joined the north London club at the age of six . Admits he'd like to captain Arsenal and England once day . CLICK HERE for all the latest Arsenal news .