He’s regarded among Gooners worldwide as a respected commenter and his forays into the Arsenal blogging scene have been highly successful. Now, former journalist and avid fan Mike Urbanski has joined the Young Guns team to offer his analytical inside into all things Arsenal Reserves and Youth. Known among many as SKA Gooner, his new Sunday column – SKA Sunday – kicks off today.
As we’re all aware from reading Young Guns, the Arsenal are building up an absolutely fantastic pipeline of young talent that will pay dividends in the first team for years to come. But the goal for all Arsenal youth and reserve players isn’t to be a youth or reserve “wonder kid”. The goal is to be a first team Arsenal player. While not long in the reserve system, we’ve all been thrilled to watch Aaron Ramsey develop into a real force for Arsene Wenger’s first team this season. Another young talent who I feel strongly will see a similar progression over the next 12 to 18 months is Craig Eastmond. His time is rapidly arriving.
Recently on the Official Arsenal website, Liam Brady was interviewed about the current crop of starlets populating the youth & reserve sides. You’re all familiar with the names at this point – Jack Wilshere, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Sanchez Watt, etc. Mentioned for special comment though was Craig Eastmond and the progress he’s been making.
Of Eastmond, Brady said “He’s surprised me. He’s only going to get better. He’s got a good mentality and he’s tough as well. He wasn’t maybe one of the highlighted stars from last years’ Cup winning team, but everyone knew what a good player he was.”
Lets examine several areas of development and assess the future first team prospects for Craig Eastmond.
Defensive Mid or Right Back? – This is THE question for Craig right now. Honestly, this is a bit of a tough call at the moment.
Starting out as, and getting the bulk of his reserve playing time at right back, Eastmond has progressed apace through Liam Brady’s system. With his speed, Eastmond could be an absolute demon coming forward on the right flank and possesses the wherewithal to recover quickly when possession changes demand. Given how much we use Sagna, Clichy and Eboue in the attack, crossing will have to be a critical part of his development if he’s to remain at right back. I’ve not yet seen enough of his crossing ability though to accurately assess his true value while on the front foot. Has the physical skill and tenacious mentality to be an imposing obstacle, defensively, at right back.
However, having reviewed the match footage from the Bolton away tilt in January, I’ve seen enough of Craig to believe I’m seeing a defensive mid in the making. I’m reminded a bit of the flashes we saw from Alex Song late last season when his potential really came to the fore. Much will depend on how Eastmond develops physically over the next couple years and we’ll have to see if he can get that bit of nastiness that Alex Song has acquired this year. But there’s no denying the ability to challenge on the ball, win headers and put a halt to an opposing attack from a central position.
Speed – Craig has the speed to get forward on occasion as a defensive mid or turn the right flank into a real nightmare zone for opposing backs. Excellent speed in recovery & closing and will not often lose a foot race to the outlet unless facing an attacker or winger with top class speed. Eastmond has excellent direct line speed in both the short burst/recovery and long sprint to close down a breaking winger when playing right back.
Mindset – Defensive minded, but joins the attack a bit more than the usual DM. Eastmond connects well with the back four when tracking back. Much like Alex Song or Abou Diaby, Eastmond looks to quickly turn a defensive stop into an outlet to an attacking teammate. As a right back, I would put him more in the category of Eboue than Sagna simply because of his offensive propensity.
On the ball – Good in possession if not challenged too tightly when coming forward. Not a long possession player currently, although that might be due more to the speed/skill difference between reserve and first team play and this can be developed more as time goes on. Has quite good vision of the pitch and seems already to possess the ability to see creative possibilities when passing.
Physical – Eastmond possesses a good bit of grit. He’s not the most imposing player on the pitch, but there’s no denying his ability and desire to get stuck in. He will need to put on some bulk and muscle though, regardless of his final position in the Arsenal first team.
Positioning – This is the one area where Craig needs work, especially as a DM. He still “follows play” sometimes more than anticipating. Again, at this point it could be more related to the speed/skill difference between reserve and first team play. In reviewing the Bolton match from January, I noticed a tendency to drift in front of the back four at times without involving himself in the run of play. Has to “go to the game” instead of letting the game come to him, so to speak.
Where does he go from here? – Much like our “just tell me where to line up” man, Emmanuel Eboue, Craig Eastmond has a range of skills that could see him slotted in at several positions. This is a great bonus for Craig and for Arsenal. Combining speed, intelligence and toughness with a thought or two to peek at the goal on occasion, there are any number of ways that he can benefit the first team side when the time comes. The Arsenal first team have offensive-minded defenders in the form of Thomas Vermaelen and Eboue. Craig Eastmond could well develop into the same type of player at right back, but I believe he’s more suited to the defensive midfielder role at the moment.
As with all reserve players looking to make the leap to first team action, Craig will need match minutes. Depending on whether or not one specific position is decided upon, I would not rule out a loan spell to gain minutes. Given a bit more development time, adding a bit of bulk and following the leadership of Arsene Wenger and the first teamers ahead of him, Craig Eastmond will soon find himself called upon regularly to provide needed depth in critical areas at the Emirates.
Article By SKA Gooner
