Committed utility man Eastmond plays with his heart on his sleeve, despite a lightweight frame he puts himself around the pitch, a strong tackler with an excellent leap he is the first choice holding midfielder for the Under 18s.
But its not something the 16 year old minds.
“I play right-back for the Under-18s and have played in the centre of midfield for the Reserves. I used to play in the centre all the time, but I was switched to right-back last season. I have got used to the role but am developing my understanding all the time. I think that although there is a lot of running up and down the flanks, in the centre you have to be physically stronger with higher stamina levels because you have to keep moving and concentrating all the time. To be honest,” says the 16 year-old, “they are very different, but I enjoy both roles. The main thing is that I am playing.”
Quotes From Arsenal.com
Craig played Reserves football while still being a school boy, able to fill in all over the back four as well as in midfielder Midfield his pace will be a big asset in a competitive Under 18s league, after coming through the ranks as a right back, with Abu Ogogo, Paul Rodgers and now Kerrea Gilbert all ahead of him, he switched to central midfield and has thrived, his all action battling style has impressed, he also started the Reserves fixture against Reading at the end of last month.
During the game he had to mark the likes of Turkey Under 19 skipper Karacan, and American International Bobby Convey a tough task for the local boy, but he did what he does best, getting stuck in and breaking up attacks, some things he did well others not so good, but it was all important in his development, and his encouraging performances could just force Liam Brady’s hand when it comes to deciding the future of James Dunne in the summer.
Name: Craig Eastmond
Age: 16
Nationality: English
Position: Right Back/Midfield
Previous Clubs: —
Contract : Scholarship
Article By – J.Sanderson
great article JS.
i like eastmond he looks really strong and aggresive.
I THINK HAVING PLAYERS WHO CAN PLAY ANYWHERE IS V.IMPORTANT MOST OF THE YOUNG 1S ARE GOOD AT IT
i watched him at Reading and he looked a basic player, not very amazing but he just does he job and i respect that in him.
Of course, versitle players are always important in any squad offering cover all over.
and yep he is not an amazing player, but he does his job quietly and well.
So in other words as a football player Craig Eastmond is a jack of all trades but a master og none?
to put in simply Kent Paul.. Yes.
But a great asset to the team, he is very raw.