5 Arsenal youth players that could make the step up
Arsene Wenger has often been accused of breathing new life into the team too often and that he buys too many young players when what Arsenal really need is a good experienced player. This season, however, is different.
We have a number of experienced players in all positions. Fabianki and Viviano are both experienced ‘keepers. Mertesacker, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny and Monreal. Arteta, Flamini, Ozil, Rosicky, Diaby (if he returns) and Cazorla. Giroud, Walcott and Podolski. All these players are reasonably experienced whether they’ve been at Arsenal or not. It has therefore become more acceptable for Wenger to use youth players. Wednesday night was a great time for Arsenal fans to see some of these rising stars in action. Isaac Hayden, Hector Bellerin, Chuba Akpom, Thomas Eisfeld, Serge Gnabry, Kris Olsson and Ryo Miyiachi were all given a chance last night.
1. Chuba Akpom- A lot of talk has surrounded the player ever since he started converting goals for the U21’s on a regular occasions, which doesn’t sound so exciting until you realise that he’s just 17. Fans were given a chance to see him in pre-season in which he impressed on by scoring even more goals. With Arsenal quite bare in attack, Akpom could be given even more chances in the team and after yesterday’s performance you kind of expect Wenger to do so.
2. Hector Bellerin- Another player that impressed on Wednesday night in an unfamiliar midfield role after he replaced Mikel Arteta. The right back could be in line to make more appearances this season especially if Bacary Sagna or Carl Jenkinson suffer from injuries although that’s one of the reasons Mathieu Flamini was signed. The youngster can also play right midfield which isn’t exactly heavily occupied at the moment. Exciting is an understatement to describe this player. Can be the future of Spain’s right back position.
3. Gedion Zelalem- The 16 year old has been compared to the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere in terms of footballing abilities and the age at which he could be thrown into the first team. When a player is 16 years old and there is already talk of him playing for the first team then the build up of excitement is unavoidable. He proved over the summer why people rate him so highly. Eye of the needle passes on regular occasions certainly excited Arsenal fans in more areas than just their mind.
4. Serge Gnabry- He didn’t put on much of a show on Wednesday night but the intent and the willingness to run at players was a refreshing sight to see. If you’ve seen him perform for the U21’s then you will understand the excitement. Think Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and you should get a better understanding of how he plays and what his main attributes are. He has huge amounts of potential, he just needs more time in the first team.
5. Isaac Hayden- A player that grew up near me which is exciting but it’s not why I’ve picked him. I picked him because he’s a quality player that has adapted quite well to the first team. He looked comfortable on Wednesday night against West Brom and overall impressed quite a lot. He kept things simple, got stuck in and was energetic all game. He has versatility could serve him well in the future if he is to make it. However, Arsenal are well stocked in midfield and are always on the look out for midfielders, so his chances may be limited.
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