With the fragility of the current Arsenal squad being quite apparent, and a number of players facing uncertainty over their futures, there is a rare opportunity for youth players to stake a claim in the future first team.
So, we’ve decided to play Devil’s Advocate and tempt fate a little bit. Indeed, while the Gunners are far from perfect, they certainly have an exciting young core and the thought of it developing further must be hugely exciting to those in North London.
A look to the future
Bernd Leno seems to have secured the keeper spot for years to come; Calum Chambers is constantly learning during his loan spells, whilst Rob Holding seems to be really growing into his own. Nacho Monreal is a solid left-back and Sead Kolašinac looks to be following in his footsteps.
Fresh faces, Torreira and Guendouzi, are establishing themselves well in midfield. And the obvious other talents, Eddie Nketiah, is looking a genuine talent in the youth set-up and could blossom into something great.
Emile Smith Rowe is a young talent who has made a name for himself by putting in a string of good performances during the pre-season. At 18-years old, he was one of the youngest individuals on the tour but his goal against Spanish giants, Athletico Madrid, and assist for Alexandre Lacazette against French champions, PSG, displayed the type of quality and composure you’d expect from an experienced player. After recently signing a new long-term contract at the North London club, don’t be surprised to see the attacking midfielder breaking into the senior squad in years to come.
Reiss Nelson is a well known player amongst Arsenal fans, having turned out for the club three times in the Premier League last season. Although he naturally operates in an attacking position, Wenger clearly had faith in his ability to play anywhere on the pitch, placing him as a right wing back in his breakthrough season at the club.
The Englishmen has been loaned out to Bundesliga club, 1899 Hoffenheim, meaning he won’t play in an Arsenal shirt this season; however, this move can only been seen as a positive for both club and player, who can look forward to the prospect of a year of technical development.
Xavier Amaechi is the youngest of the picks at 17 years of age. Having represented Arsenal and England from an early age, he was immediately tied down to a long-term contract in January and is viewed as one of the clubs brightest prospects.
Amaechi is renowned for his pace on the wing enabling him to move past defenders with ease and, given that Ozil and Mkhitaryan, Arsenal’s current wide play-makers, are missing that explosive element of their game, Amaechi will undoubtedly present himself as a valuable asset to the club’s future campaigns.
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