Arsenal’s loanees are some of the most talked about and debated players at the club, with thousands of fans using websites, blogs and social media to put their points across on potential stars of the future.
However, few truly know the daily goings on of players at their loan clubs like the actual supporters of that particular outfit. To get the full perspective on another crop of exciting youngsters, Young Guns’ Loanee Analysis sees me catch up with journalists who follow their club closely.
To get the low down on Sanchez Watt, I caught up with Andrew Haigh, a sports journalist for The Sun and an avid Leeds United follower. He kicks the series off by sharing his thoughts on Sanchez’s season.
What was the feeling when Sanchez signed for Leeds?
“I think the vast majority of fans were delighted with the signing. Sanchez was on loan with us for a few months last season in League One and showed glimpses of the energy and skill he could offer so we knew we were getting a good player who could play in a number of attacking positions.”
“Some had even higher hopes for him and I can remember Martin Kelner on BBC FiveLive’s Fighting Talk at the start of the season arguing why Sanchez could be the signing of the season across all leagues.”
How has the season been and what part did Sanchez play in it?
“As a whole, our season has been a good one considering it was our first back in the Championship. We finished seventh, just missing out on the play-offs by three points. We began well, but mental and physical exhaustion culminated in a run of poor performances, meaning we faded away badly.”
“As for Sanchez, I think even he will admit it has been a season of ups and downs. It began well for him and he started the first six league games of the season. He mainly got his chance because Max Gradel was suspended for the first four matches of the season and Robert Snodgrass was injured. When they returned, Sanchez lost his place. He then got injured and the team was settled, so it was difficult for him to get back in.”
“He had a run around the two FA Cup matches against Arsenal in January, but more injuries meant he he didn’t have a real impact in the closing stages.”
What would you consider his highlights this season?
“The match that really sticks out was during his run of starts at the beginning of the season when we played Millwall on August 21st. Sanchez was given a free role behind Becchio and really excelled. He was in his element with the freedom to express himself as well as having the chance show his hard work closing down both Millwall’s midfield and defence. He grew in confidence and even made Soccer AM’s Showboat with this brilliant piece of skill.”
What would you consider his low-lights this season?
“The number of injuries he has had restricted his progress and I think that will have frustrated him. I imagine that failing to properly challenge Gradel and Snodgrass for starting spots will have been personally disappointing for him, but he really should have been given more of a chance to shine in a central role. If I was being ultra-critical, as an attacking player, I would have hoped for him to score more than just the one goal too.”
What does the future hold and do you think he’ll make the grade at Arsenal?
“In all honesty, I don’t believe Sanchez has a long-term future there. At 20, he is not a young player anymore and although he is clearly talented, I can never see him pushing Samir Nasri or Theo Walcott for a spot in your first team. I’d fully expect him to move on this summer in a permanent deal somewhere and it would not surprise me if Leeds made a bid for him. That said, I can see him commanding a decent fee and Leeds haven’t really been known to pay big fees in recent seasons. Without doubt though, Leeds fans would welcome him back with open arms if he did sign.”
Any other stats, facts or little pieces of extra information?
“Twitter has really helped Sanchez connect with Leeds fans. A few of our players have come in for criticism on Twitter but Sanchez keeps talking to his fans and he deserves plenty of credit for that, even if his response is just ‘LOL’ or a ‘TeamYouWatt’ hashtag! In all seriousness, we have seen players throw a strop at the first sign of criticism but Sanchez keeps his cool and has shown a professional side that some of his older team-mates haven’t.”
“As for his stats, they speak for themselves. His 12 starts and 14 sub appearances show what an inconsistent season he has had while his solitary goal and five assists are an unfair reflection on the impact he did have when he was on the pitch. Overall, we just didn’t see enough of his talent on the pitch.”
You can read all the articles in this series in our loanees area.
If Sanchez can learn to finish he’ll be a super player. Too often loses his head in positions where if he showed more composure he would have got his name on the score sheet.
He has got a terrific attitude and I’m it’s an area he’s identified as one which he can improve.
Bet Arsenal.com paint a slightly different picture when they report on Sanchez Watt in their suspiciously similar scheme.
Good idea Jamie, I like Watt but dont think he will make it here.
His build would have helped us out being quite a tall winger but unfortunately not quite good enough for us…wish him well in the future if he leaves. I suspect he will.
interesting.
nice to see some detailed coverage on one of the more unfashionable kids in our setup.
i think he’ll have a good career from 23-28.
I thought he was really good when he played for Leeds against us in the FA Cup, particularly when compared with some of the dross we had on display with their excess of sideways passes.
If we were looking to move Theo into a forward pairing, then I wouldn’t be too upset playing Sanchez on the right (and Miyaichi on the left, visa permitting). We have no genuine right wingers in the first team (I consider Theo and Nick as strikers and Eboue a fullback). Sanchez has pace, can beat a man, and can cross a ball.
He is a damn good player. I expect him to be a future player for us.
Jamie, Is there any truth in the potential signing of the Barca youth player?
i realy like him, i know wenger admires him a lot so i hope that will help him find the motivaton to make it at arsenal…
He is a decent player but such a raw talent with out being exceptional at anything. I feel he will end up at the championship level for a few years and maybe come up with a promoted club.
Great stuff J. Sounds like wait and see with him. My guess is a Jerome Thomas-esque career, or better. Look, Jermaine Pennant played in an FA Cup final this year. Bothroyd called up for England. Someday Bentley might emerge, too – har har.
When comments say these players aren’t good enough I hear arrogance, and remind myself that the fact is some players might have a more fulfilling career away from Arsenal even if they don’t win anything other than praise from their fans. Arsenal play at a higher level but ain’t winning nothing and ain’t getting much praise from the fans either! Who had a better season personally – Pennant or Vela? Thomas or Diaby/Denilson? Chamakh or Bothroyd? Another year in the Championship for Sanchez on loan and then take another look at his development.
Anyone think they can answer this question? As Chuks Aneke is not that quick do you think it will affect him making it at Arsenal?
Not at all, the game is not about pace and power (no matter what English football coaches may tell you), it’s about having the brains to play the game. Chuks is a natural footballer.
Depends on what position you play. For a winger, yah you probably need some pace. For an attacking midfielder, there are tons of slower players like our best player Fabregas.
Seems like a sensible lad but a winger who can’t get into a middling second tier first XI at 20 hasn’t a prayer of making it at a CL club. From what I’ve seen of him SW is OK but not really fast or technical enough to be a genuine attacking threat at a really good level.
Slick, that was one of the better comments I have read on here regarding young players and their development!! Everyone has their own definition of success and who are we to judge that?? I mean maybe one day Vela will come out of his shell and play for a division club, and if he feels that he has been successful who are we to say he hasn’t?? Not all of our youngsters have to make it at Arsenal to have successful careers and they shouldn’t be dismissed with a simple “oh they won’t make it here” and that be the end of it. Think if our youth management thought that way!! The majority of the players would be left to fend for themselves and find their own loan clubs, etc etc. You can still make an evaluation regarding their level of talent, but you shouldn’t think that not making it here is the be-all and end-all of their careers. Thinking like that doesn’t get you anywhere in life be it athletics, arts, whatever. Trust me!!!
its true that some of our youth will not reach their potential as early as Wilshere, our policy should be loans until they are ready to compete at Arsenal. Don’t dismiss Vela Denilson Nordveit Bartley etc so early, they are young and full of potential. loans will always be cheaper than buying a ready made star
Nordtveit has been sold mate.
whats happening with this Hector Bellerin
as a leeds united fan, i can say, hes a player with plenty of flair and speed but he is never going to make it in the arsenal first team. The best description i can give is hes a lesser version of Charles N’zogbia. If arsenal dont want him though, im sure leeds fans would take him :)
i’m a fan of sanchez watt… he’s a nice boy and a positive attitude. it’s hard for him to make it with arsenal but imo he will emerge sooner of later and definitely will be a premier league player in the future.
is it just me or does sanchez resemble flava flav a little ….
Any truth to the rumour Brighton are looking at him for next season?
Would certainly fit in with our system & seems to match the criteria Poyet looks for in players.