As Arsenal prepare to kick off the defence of their F.A Youth Cup title with a 3rd Round tie against Crewe Alexandra, Young Guns have put together a little teaser of what is to come by giving a guide as to who will be Arsenals 5 key youngsters in this year’s push for success.
Arsenal were unstoppable last season, thumping Liverpool 6-2 on aggregate in the final as well as defeating the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City along the way to help bring the trophy back to North London for the seventh time.
It will be a new look side hoping to retain the cup this year as many of last season’s players are now too old for youth football, plying their trade in the Reserves, or out on loan. Jack Wilshere is still eligible to play this season but it is very unlikely that Arsene Wenger will want to reverse his progress and play him in the youth team.
One of last year’s success stories, Emmanuel Frimpong is available and should play alongside Cedric Evina, Benik Afobe and Conor Henderson, who amongst them clocked up a few minutes in last year’s run. However, it is mainly a new batch of youngsters who will be hoping to make their name, posing the question; can they compete with last year’s success?
Luke Freeman – Striker/Winger
Recently crowned Player of the month on Young Guns, the small, pacey forward already has a head start on others in the competition playing in the senior version a couple of seasons ago for Gillingham at the tender age of 15. Freeman’s low centre of gravity has been a real pain in the side of many defences this season and is heading the scoring charts with 10 goals. Freeman’s versatility in the final third will be a key component in the Arsenal front line as he can play either up top or on the wing.
After signing pro terms back in April, Luke will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow left footed Englishman Jack Wilshere and use the FA Youth Cup as a platform in to the Arsenal first team. Rating:- Freeman v Sunu – Freeman
Ignasi Miquel – Centre Back
Already making major strides in the reserves, the classy Spaniard will be a vital cog in the Gunners back four. Last year’s successful youth winning team was based on a solid back line and Miquel will be the main figurehead in the centre of defence. Not only is Ignasi technically outstanding for his age but he is tactically astute and at 1.93m, towers over many of his counterparts. Ignasi will be hoping to emulate the ever reliable Luke Ayling and Kyle Bartley who were last year’s rocks at the back, and could possibly be the next Spaniard to make his way through the Arsenal youth and feature in the first team if his progress continues. Rating:- Miquel v Ayling – Ayling
Oguzhan Ozyakup – Centre Midfield
The Under 17 Dutch Captain will be pivotal in Arsenal’s engine room this season. Plucked from AZ in April 2008, ‘Ozzie’ has progressed extremely well and made his reserves debut against Stoke earlier in the season. The young Dutchman is the heartbeat of the Arsenal side and likes to control the tempo of the game and create opportunities for the Arsenal forwards. Conor Henderson will provide stiff competition for the playmaking role, and it will be interesting to see who will get the nod, but one thing is for sure and that is the Arsenal coaching staff certainly have high expectations for Oguzhan. Rating:- Ozyakup v Lansbury – Lansbury
Chuks Aneke – Centre Midfield
Possibly one of the most powerful youngsters to come through the Arsenal ranks, the Forest Gate born midfielder has made huge strides over the past year. His intimidating presence has been a real asset for the U18s so far this season, especially when facing some of the more physical sides. The colossal midfielder is yet to really find a suitable position for himself as he can play defensive and attacking midfield, but so far this season has been playing the latter where he has added 3 goals to his name. Chuks recently made his reserve team debut against Fulham which ended in a 1-0 defeat, but put in a determined display that will hopefully continue in to the FA Youth Cup. Rating:- Aneke v Emmanuel-Thomas – Emmanuel-Thomas
Benik Afobe – Striker
Compared to a ‘young, raw, Andy Cole’ by Young Guns’ Jamie Sanderson, the highly regarded front man will be leading the line for the Arsenal this season, hoping to enhance his ever growing reputation. The talented forward has already had an offer from Barcelona such is his potential, in a move that would see his salary rise significantly, but Gunners fans will hope the young Englishman will stick with his boyhood club and climb the ranks. Afobe has already had a taste of FA Youth Cup football as he scored Arsenals fourth against Sunderland in the 5th Round last year, long may it continue. Rating:- Afobe v Watt – Afobe
Article By – Nick Love
nice article,i m looking forward to aneke,afobe and ozzy.
Aneke>JET, Sunu>Freeman imo.
great article, very interesting to read. Seems the comparison of ratings are with the level Lansbury etc. was on last year when playing. What is the average age of those playing this year, compared to last years batch?
what does “imo” mean kv?
Really informative and well presented. Thanks
It means In My Opinion, mate.
imo- in my opinion
imo-In My Opinion
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ok, thanks
Good article Nick. I don’t think they have enough to retain the cup but i’m looking forward to seeing if they can surprise.
IMO, Chuks is better equipped to play as an AM rather than a DM. He has great attacking attributes and having a physical presence supporting your attacks can often be of great help when all else fails which sometimes seems to happen with Arsenal (we just hit a wall every time with our attacks, like the Chelsea game). However, because he’s played in defensive roles before he is a more rounded player for it and that should hold him in good stead for the future.
Am I correct to say that last years crew in the cup was more experienced, older and established in the reserves?
Don’t like the comparisons with last years players. Too difficult to say who’s best of this yeras Aneke and last yeras JET. And many of the players this year are still first year scholars.
Anyway, don’t think Ozyakup will start tomorrow. Seems like he has lost his place to Henderson/Aneke. Very strong compotition for the starting places in midfield, like it was last year up front (Watt, Sunu and Murphy). But what if this years U18 gets injuries up front on Deacon, Freeman or Afobe? Doesn’t have many options then. Maybe pushing Aneke on the wing could be a possibility. Don’t think Ansah is ready for FAYC yet. Meade seems very weak physically, but he has good speed and techniqal abilities.
Have to say I’m pleased with Freeman’s progression. He has developed his dribbling skills and isn’t afraid to take people on 1 on 1.
Think this will be the team:
Dunn
Hajrovic – Boateng – Miquel – Evina
Aneke – Frimpong – Henderson
Deacon – Afobe – Freeman
sebjob: you’re correct.
I would say comparisons are very difficult to make at this stage. If they are to made it would have to be on performances before the youth cup run last yr as opinions of the players were definately enhanced by the run to the trophy.
Dunn
Boateng-Hajrovic-Miquel-Evina
Frimpong-Ozzy
Aneke
Deacon-Afobe-Freeman
…imo
dont know if Henderson will be playing…it is a very strong side and with him competing on a high level this year, Bould might give others a chance to compete under pressure
No i personally dont think we will win it again this year
im pretty sure Ozyakup will be a key player for us in the fayc
It’s working on my iPhone now:)
I dont think its fair to compare them to last season’s team however if they can get past 1st couple of opposition then they can do well bcuz of confidence gained.
I think this will be the team assuming no injuries
–Dunn–
Hajrovic-Boateng-Miquel-Evina
Frimpong—Aneke–henderson
Deacon–Afobe–Freeman
Aren’t Shea, Bartley, Cruise, Ayling, Coquelin, Watt and Sunu all still 18?
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The critic, seems to be some change since also working on my phone now. Very good works when bored and silent moment from home. I would expect Mcdermott to play against since he played against Norwich depends on match fitness though
Anyone know if it costs to watch the games tomorrow?
Why isn’t Monakana on the list? I’ve seen him play a few times now. He’s class. Should be in the 1st team already. He’s a bit like Arshavin but with Walcott’s pace and Fabregas’s passing.
J – It should be free admission.
I think SB will go with the starting line-up that WEM and Super have predicted.
Interesting article as usual. I keep wondering who among them is good enough to do a Wilshere. i.e. jump from youth team to first team. I’d always believed that Lansbury would do it even before I knew who Wilshere was. But that’s the way things go. Given your ratings it seems only Freeman and Afobe could be in the running. But are they really that good? The other three have been rated below the others and note none of them – all five you’ve mentioned from last season’s team – made it to the first team. An answer from anyone – not Sanderson only – would be welcome. All the same Lansbury remains my favourite reserve and I believe he’ll be better than Gerrard – eventually!
Gilbert to Liecster – any truth in this?
http://www.tribalfootball.com/leicester-slap-bid-arsenal-fullback-gilbert-511451?
No way this team isnt is as good as last year. Last year there was a special bond everying and they had leaders as well like ayling, bartley, lansbury, jay thomas.
I dont see any leaders in this current team apart from Henderson. I cant believe cedric evina is captain lol i dont even think hes good enough for arsenal from what i have seen.
Why isn’t Monakana on the list? I’ve seen him play a few times now. He’s class. Should be in the 1st team already. He’s a bit like Arshavin but with Walcott’s pace and Fabregas’s passing.
Adam said this on December 15, 2009
Yeah, a player like arshavin, as quick as theo but with cesc’s technique..
In. Our. Dreams. Mate.
Last years team was exceptional. This years is not as good but if we compare it to Liverpool’s team which did go all the way to the finale. I think this team can win it.
Jom: I think that’s because this years team is younger. Next year, we will have a lot of 2nd year scholars and the team will be as good as last years.
McDermott
Hajrovic – Boateng – Miquel – Brislen-Hall
Aneke – Yennaris – Ozyakup
Ansah – Afobe – Meade
Everybody except Ansah will be 2nd years.
i think arsenal should get keko from athlectio madrid
he is world class
Sunderland seem to have a good side this year. That Cole lad is a goal machine.
how old must you be to be eligible? I thought it was 18 and under, therefore Shea, Bartley, Cruise, Ayling, Coquelin, Watt and Sunu would be valid??
It is UNDER 18 at the end of August – like the school year.
If im not mistaken, JET is on the bench tonight for the Burnley game.
Thats true TJ
3-3 FT
Arsenal won on penalties to go through.