Luke Freeman

Early career

Freeman joined Charlton Athletic's academy in 2001 after being scouted playing Sunday league youth football. He spent two years at Charlton before being released for "being too small". Freeman joined Gillingham at the age of 11. He made his first-team debut for Gillingham in an FA Cup tie against Barnet on 10 November 2007, aged 15 years and 233 days, replacing Efe Sodje as an 80th-minute substitute. His debut set two records: he became both Gillingham's youngest-ever first-team player and the youngest player to appear in the FA Cup, surpassing records previously held by Billy Hughes and Lee Holmes respectively. Three days later, he featured in Gillingham's 4–0 home victory against Dagenham & Redbridge in the Football League Trophy, coming on as a 74th-minute substitute. He made his first league appearance on 24 November 2007, again as a substitute, in a 2–1 victory against Hartlepool United, becoming Gillingham's youngest league debutant. After three senior appearances, Freeman trialled with Arsenal, Newcastle United, and West Ham United in December 2007, with all three clubs expressing interest in signing him.

Arsenal

Freeman joined Premier League club Arsenal on 30 January 2008, for a fee reported to be in the region of £200,000. He signed a two-year contract as part of Arsenal's youth academy under the club's scholar scheme. Upon his arrival, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger described the player as "a very interesting prospect". During the…

Freeman made his debut for the England under-16 team in the 2008 Montaigu Tournament in France, scoring on his debut in a 3–1 victory against Japan. Having secured six points out of nine, England won their group, and subsequently beat their French counterparts in the final on penalties, Freeman playing 78 minutes of the match. He was called up to the England under-17 squad for the first time ahead of the 2008 Nordic Tournament, held in Sweden. He played in all three games during the tournament, with England failing to qualify for the final due to Norway's superior goal-scoring record. He earned 15 caps for the under-17 team between 2008 and 2009, scoring four goals.

Freeman was initially deployed solely as a winger in the early stages of his career. Left-footed, he has generally been used on the left side for the majority of his career. At Bristol City, he was often given a free role, drifting centrally and attempting shots from distance. During his time at QPR, Freeman was used in more central roles as part of a midfield three under Ian Holloway. Holloway described Freeman as having a "wand of a left foot", and highlighted his creativity and eagerness to receive the ball as key attributes. Freeman is also a set-piece specialist, proficient from corners and free kicks.

Born in Dartford, Kent, Freeman grew up in East London. His family relocated to Gravesend, Kent, where Freeman attended St John's Secondary School.