Every day this week Young Guns will be producing a ‘Top 5′ series of articles with the aim to celebrate and educate on all things to do with Arsenal’s Reserves and Youth. Having already covered the top Under 16’s to watch next season and the top 5 best positions for Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, in today’s blog we give the top 5 reasons why Arsenal’s Academy is better than Tottenham’s.
Every day this week (apologies for yesterday) Young Guns will be producing a ‘Top 5′ series of articles with the aim to celebrate and educate on all things to do with Arsenal’s Reserves and Youth. In today’s blog we will aim to solve the problem of trying to find a set position for the versatile Jay Emmanuel Thomas.
One of the key ingredients for any footballer is versatility. Being able to play well in numerous positions competently gives a player a much greater chance to get game time, but in the case of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, it’s proved a bit of a hindrance.
The Arsenal Under 18’s skipper has impressed in no less than SIX positions in the last 12 months as Steve Bould’s side cleared up in both the F.A Youth Cup and Academy Premier League. Even his manager has had trouble pinning down Jay to a regular spot in the side, but Young Guns today attempts to solve that problem.
Every day this week Young Guns will be producing a ‘Top 5’ series of articles with the aim to celebrate and educate on all things to do with Arsenal’s Reserves and Youth. To kick things off, today’s will feature 5 players from Arsenal’s Under 16’s who we are tipping to have big roles to play next season.
Håvard Nordtveit – Arsenal’s only remaining loanee – returned to club action this evening following international duty as Lillestrøm looked to continue their rise up the table by taking three points from struggling Bodø/Glimt.
The Norwegian Under 21 International was handed the opportunity to impress in his preferred centre back role. It seemed to be something he relished – yet it was up the other end where Håvard had success early on. The 19-year-old was inches away from converting John Anders Bjørkøy’s dipping corner as Lillestrøm began on the upper foot.
Just 6 minutes later Nordtveit was causing more problems in the oppositions penalty area, as he nodded down another Bjørkøy corner. This time it allowed Frode Kippe the chance to shoot, but it was again wide. It proved to be the last meaningful chance for a little while as Bodø/Glimt turned the tables. Nordtveit’s half hearted clearance allowed Runar Berg the chance to capitalise but he lashed wide.
It was a massive danger sign but Henning Berg needn’t have worried. Bjørn Helge Riise – brother of Roma’s John Arne – cracked home the opener with 20 minutes gone. It was a blow, yet the hosts fought back and could have levelled twice if it wasn’t for Håvard. He first bravely threw his head in the way to clear a dangerous cross before racing back to clear a certain goal off his own line.
Despite his efforts, the youngster could do nothing about Daniel Stensland’s drive which brought things level just before half time. The second period was a much quieter affair and subsequently neither side really looked like snatching the win. That was until the 89th minute when Nordtveit glanced another corner over. It finished 1-1 with the Arsenal loanee completing another 90 minutes.
Håvard was probably Lillestrøm’s Man of the Match and despite a couple of slips he really looks like this loan spell is building his character whilst still nurturing his talents.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Nacer Barazite and the newly departed Samir Carruthers blazed the trial of Arsenal starlets who are of Moroccan descent, and Young Guns would like to introduce the latest in the series – versatile midfielder Samir Bihmoutine.
Yet unlike the aforementioned duo, Bihmoutine fully intents to honour his heritage by opting to play for Morocco in the future despite being born elsewhere. The Barkingside based player has already attracted attention from fans of the North African country who believe the prospect could be a key player in the future.
The left footed left winger – who can also play left back or up front – has slowly broken onto the scene this season with the show piece coming during this summers Atalanta Cup campaign. He led the charge in what proved to be an unsuccessful and rather disappointing tournament. Samir also chipped in with a goal – something which Steve Gatting’s boys struggled for.
Strikes against Portsmouth and Tottenham for the Under 16’s cemented Bihmountine’s position as one to watch. But goal scoring is just a surprise bonus for the youngster. Known more for his aggressive and powerful approach to defending and tackling, it’s not yet clear when his long term position will be but the left back slot would probably suit Samir best.
Next term should see Samir turning out for Steve Bould’s Under 18’s but with competition in the form of newly signed scholar George Brislen-Hall, the battle to be the Gunners’ number 3 will certainly be interesting.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Whilst Arsenal’s link with Spanish side UD Salamanca has seen the Gunners send three prospects for loans with the Liga Adelante outfit, the tables could be turned should Arsène Wenger step up his interest in their 18-year-old forward Kabiru Akinsola.
The Nigerian was part of the hugely successful side which beat Spain to win the 2007 FIFA Under 17 World Cup in Korea. He also scored the winner in the African Youth Championship Final in Togo. Alongside fellow forward Macauley Christanus, the pair quickly attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest club’s – including Arsenal. Manchester City were then strongly linked with the duo but nothing came of the interest, with Christanus turning down a move to North London in favour of signing for Hamburg.
Akinsola remained hot property but didn’t secure a transfer until January when Tunisian side Étoile Sportive du Sahel announced they had beaten Espanyol to the signing of the 18-year-old. This was accepted as gospel until UD Salamanca issued a statement on the 31st of March confirming they had signed the player – not Étoile. Furthermore, Kabiru would be joined by long-term Manchester City target Matthew Edile in a shock double swoop.
It was decided that Edile would not play for the first team until next season as he needed time to adapt but his confident team-mate Akinsola enthused that he was ready and could add 20-25 goals a season for the Union. He was handed Havard Nordtveit’s vacated number 3 shirt and announced himself in style by slamming home a last gasp equaliser against Las Palmas at the end of May.
His electric pace, eye for goal and quick feet are destined for a bigger stage. Although he may be small, Akinsola is aggressive in his hold up play and very strong whilst in possession. Arsenal will have first option to sign the player and many believe he will make the switch to the Emirates once earning a work permit. However, Steve Rowley and Richard Law will continue to make regular checks on his progress.
You can see two videos of him in action below. The first is a compilation and the second is his aforementioned goal for Salamanca.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Pedro Botelho’s topsy-turvy loan spell with UD Salamanca has come to an end after Arsenal offical Richard Law decided to terminate the Brazilian’s loan spell two weeks early. But while his loan period may be over, the row which has dogged his stay in Spain continues.
The 19-year-old was suspended from first-team training after refusing to take part in extra training despite being given the day before off. Other trouble such as skipping training to go and watch a Champions League game plus calling a referee a cheat on television have painted Pedro in a bad light – something he accepts.
“I’ve always been honest and tried to tell the truth, but I also recognize that the fines do not look good on me”
Botelho had a frustrating first season but he made 27 appearances this term and has been largely impressive. However, the relationship with manager David Armaral and his assistant Fran Albert has broken down considerably in recent weeks. That said, the 19-year-old believes the spell has been productive.
“I have learned many things with Salamanca, but I recognize that the end of this year has been awful.”
“Since the night in Agatha, where Fran Albert accused me of breaking his partner’s car, things have taken a radical turn around. He threatened me with the bill amounting to €508 euros and told me that I had to pay. If i refused and said that I had not done anything he told me he was going to be much harder on me and he would make me run up the walls”
Botelho has confirmed he will now be returning to Brazil to see his family before joining the Arsenal squad for pre-season. But before leaving, he said his goodbyes to his team-mates but was advised to keep well out of the way of Armaral and his assistant.
“I said goodbye to all of my companions and team-mates along with the President of Salamanca. Of the other two (Armaral and Albert) I did not say goodbye. Richard Law told me not to tell them anything and that they have not behaved well”
Another loan spell with newly promoted Xerez now looks likely as the starlet looks to rebuild his reputation before returning to England in a years time.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Bristol City and Brighton and Hove Albion are among five Coca Cola League club’s to have made loan offers to Arsenal’s Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, according to the player himself.
The 18-year-old stopper has had a frustrating campaign which saw him spend a large amount of time on the sidelines. Two broken arms plus a fractured toe curtailed what promised to be a break through year. That said, Wojciech did sign a new three-year professional contract, and was named on the bench for the Premier League clash with Wigan.
He finished the season playing for both the Reserves and Under 18’s but he won’t be eligible for the Academy League next term, and with Vito Mannone appearing to be a solid fixture for Neil Banfield’s second string, a loan move could be on the cards. And it appears there is no shortage of potential suitors.
“I’ve received 5 loan offers. Two from clubs in the Championship and three from clubs in League One. They include offers from Bristol City and Brighton.”
Brighton had previously been linked with moves for Arsenal youngsters yet reports linking Kyle Bartley and Rhys Murphy with switches are unfounded. There is no doubt that Szczęsny would benefit enormously from a spell on loan yet the ambitious Poland Under 21 International fired a warning shot to the Italian Mannone.
“But maybe I will stay, because [Vito] Mannone is not better than me.”
Szczęsny is considered a rising star in his homeland and there is massive interest in his development. If he fails to overcome Mannone in the coming season sections of the media believe he may quit the Gunners and return to Poland. However, there is without doubt that the imposing ‘keeper can make serious strides in the next 12 months.
Article By – J.Sanderson
As regular readers will know, Young Guns confirmed the seven new scholars for next season after they took part in the traditional photo shoot at the Emirates. We also hinted that there may be more announced, and we can now confirm that Jernade Meade has become scholar number eight.
The London-born diminutive winger was one of the more eye catching prospects who was given the opportunity to complete the season playing for Steve Bould in his all conquering Under 18’s. Meade can play comfortably on the left or the right and while he may be small – he’s blessed with superb agility and pace.
Jernade could follow the route that Roarie Deacon took in being operated on the flanks whilst with the Under 16’s before taking up a striker role after penning his scholarship. He’s been a regular for Steve Gatting for the past two campaigns and has found goals in abundance. Meade was part of the very successful squad that claimed both the Atalanta Cup and Zinedine Zidane Tournament trophies last summer.
Many will be delighted as he’s a real touch-line hugging winger who can cross well. Next term the 16-year-old should play a big part but it’s clear that he’s got a lot to learn – notably in bulking up and his decision making ahead of a year in the very competitive Academy League.
You’ll be able to read more about all the new scholars along with updates on all the other players in our Player Profiles which will freshened up in the coming weeks.
Article By – J.Sanderson