Young Guns – Arsenal Reserves & Youth News

Signed from NEC Nijmegen in the summer of 2006, technically gifted forward Nacer Barazite returned to Arsenal from a season-long-loan with Derby County in July 2009.

The Dutch flyer swapped the relative serenity of Reserves and Youth football for the rigours of the Championship. He made 36 appearances for County including 24 starts and an outing at Old Trafford in the Carling Cup Semi-Final. During his time with the Rams he became a fans favourite in a character building spell.

Nacer’s versatility has proved important throughout his career, with the exciting forward featuring in every attacking position possible. He marked his debut with a goal against Boreham Wood from central midfield, but two years later – against the same outfit – played as a left winger and during the second half, a striker.

His opening campaign saw him forge a strong partnership with Jay Simpson, with the pair bagging the strikes to send Arsenal to the Semi-Finals of the FA Youth Cup. Barazite finished the season in double figures, and scored on his first-team debut against Barnet.

With Simpson leaving on loan, the 2007-2008 campaign brought the opportunity to become the main man, something Nacer relished. 18 competitive goals including a hat-trick against Southampton set the tone, with two more coming in friendlies.

Known for his powerful style, Naz’s ability to dribble at speed with tricks and turns frequently causes defenders nightmares, coupled with his long range shooting and radar like passing range. The Dutchman really does have it all.

Arsène Wenger saw no problems in using him in the Carling Cup, with appearances against Sheffield United and Blackburn before a dislocated shoulder against The Rovers looked to have ended his season early. But he came back strong and was quickly back to his brilliant best in time to make the bench in the final Premiership game against Sunderland.

Having started the second half away to Barnet in pre-season, Barazite was once more was on target – this time with the decisive winner. He would also be on target versus Rushden and Diamonds, and smash a late game breaker to win the Gunners the Herbert Chapman trophy. It would be his final action before moving to Derby where he scored once.

The 6 foot plus winger is expected to be part of Wenger’s first team plans during the 2009-2010 season.

Name: Nacer Barazite
Nickname: ‘Naz’
Age: 18
Nationality: Dutch
International: Under 19′s
Position: Striker/Winger
Height: 185cm
Previous Clubs: NEC Nijmegen, Derby County (Loan)
Contract : Professional