by Beth McCowen and Liberty Simons (29/12/23).
Above: Araya Dennis (centre) in a thoughtful mood for Crystal Palace at Reading prior to Christmas. Photo: Liberty Simons for Impetus.
Araya Dennis is a 17-year-old footballer with a lot of potential. An exciting Arsenal academy product, the youngster has displayed a range of talents for the teams that she has represented.
Dennis has enjoyed time at both Watford and Crystal Palace in the Championship recently, showing her great talents for the sides and providing some outstanding moments. A young talent that has previously flown under the radar, her 2023 so far has shown she is well on her way to being one of the best in the game.
What did 2023 hold for the up-and-coming star?
Club
Currently on dual registration with Arsenal and Crystal Palace, Dennis has played a vital role in the Eagles’ strong start to the 2023/24 season.
Most often playing as a winger for the South London club, she has contributed across the pitch for the side, scoring screamers and putting in incredible last-ditch tackles. Her natural stance in attacking from the right has been amplified, and her work rate across the pitch has shone a light on the player’s versatility.
Palace’s Head of Women’s Football, Grace Williams, has described Dennis as “one of the most exciting young talents in England.” The youngster is an asset for the side, linking up well with her teammates, creating chances, and putting them away.
Dennis has proven her talent as a winger in a myriad of ways. One example includes the way she gets out of tight spaces with ease, speaking volumes about the potential this footballer has.
Despite her age, Dennis has had no problems coming up against experienced, powerful players. In Palace’s 4-3 defeat against Southampton, she was relentless and caused a tough opposition big problems. Dennis displayed her talents in this fixture to her full extent, running the channels, drawing opposition towards her, and creating issues for the defenders.
As well as her quick thinking in the final third and ability to pick out other key players and create opportunities, she is fearless when it comes to defending, and unafraid to commit to a challenge.
Her outrageous goal from the corner against Charlton Athletic in the Championship this season displays the lethal nature of her right foot. The corner was cleared out to Dennis who was positioned far outside the six-yard box. She controlled the ball and took the shot. Her ability to not only see and execute the shot but also to understand how to manipulate the ball to see it pass over the crowded penalty box displays an intelligence of the game way beyond her young age.
It’s a move she has displayed before. It was seen during her time at Watford last season in the tier three FA Women’s National League Southern Premier. Dennis picked up the ball in the middle of the park and dribbled it into space outside of the box before converting the shot. This continued reassurance of her ability to make these shots worth it for any side she is a part of shows true promise for the future.
Country
Dennis’ recent footballing adventures include helping to secure an unbeaten run for the England Under 19s.
The young talent was a prolific goal scorer in the most recent international break for the Young Lionesses. From her club minutes at Arsenal, Watford, and now Crystal Palace, Dennis has demonstrated an exceptional ability to add value to any team she is a part of, slotting in and making a number of contributions up and down the pitch when her sides have needed them most. Her outstanding form was only solidified further as she earned more game time on the international stage.
The combined impact of starting and scoring for both club and country on Dennis’ game is unmatched. She has thrived this year, having been put to the test in playing alongside the other top players in her age group, as well as with more experienced opponents at club level.
These experiences are pushing her forward in what looks set to be a stellar career. The way Dennis appears to bring a sense of composure to the pitch at just 17-years-old is telling of her wider role as a player, which goes far beyond just goal-scoring.
What’s next?
For the youngster, the sky’s the limit. Competing in the Championship is no easy feat, especially for a player of her tender years. The league is extremely competitive, especially at the top of the table, where Dennis is helping Palace to reach their full potential.
Goal difference can be so important in this league, so to have a player like her in the squad is a source of confidence for Palace’s manager, Laura Kaminski. The second tier of English football has seen rapid development over the course of the last few years, with more teams going full-time. It is the perfect place for bright academy products like Dennis to hone their skills and gain invaluable match experience.
These loan or dual-registration deals are good for the clubs, too, as youthful energy and technique can help drive them towards the top-flight. Crystal Palace and Dennis have benefitted in improving during their time together, and the results and performances are showing it. Dennis is making the most of her time in the Championship and it’s only a matter of time before she applies this trade for Arsenal.
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