Striker Rhys Murphy has collected the Lamb Awards sponsored Young Guns Player Of The Month crown for December 2008, after three goals in two Under 18 matches.
The freezing conditions meant that Arsenal had only two Academy games, and one FA Youth Cup game during December, yet it was still a memorable month for Steve Bould’s boys.
It began on the 6th as the Gunners took on bottom of the table Charlton Athletic at London Colney. It was a frustrating first half, but Murphy came closest with an instinctive side footed effort just going wide.
Rhys would get on the score-sheet though, his strike was sandwiched between a Jay Emmanuel-Thomas double as Arsenal ran out 3-1 winners.
Just four days later they returned to action, as a tricky tie against Aston Villa beckoned in the Youth Cup. Rhys twice brought his side back level after James Collins goals, before Emmanuel-Thomas netted the late winner. It was a terrific evening for Murphy, and one which he caught the eye of some of the watching scouts.
The Shoreham born marksman was rested for the fixture with Norwich three days later, and his absence showed as Bould’s youngsters went down 2-1.
Rhys’ month was sealed in just 7 days, as he joined his team mates on Holiday during the winter break.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Great….
Great…I agree too. boy has been sublime this month…deserves recognition.
http://arsenalspot.wordpress.com
I like this site a lot and have recommended it to all serious AFC fans that I know. As for Rhys…well ive watched him many times and have noticed a big change in his quality and maturity. Very soon I think he will be given a bench job in the first team squad especially as expect Bentner to leave as part of another deal quite soon.
If any player can give Barazite a run for his money its Murphy. Admittedly, hes quite different player, but the promise he showed a couple of seasons ago before his injury problems looks like its now turning into some real class. Hope he keeps it up.
Thanks very much Pete, and I hope very much that what you said happens. Rhys has really improved this campaign, and could be an important player in the future.
He wont make it, you have to be something special to be a first team striker at Arsenal. If we get £2-3 million for him we will sell him, no doubt.
rhys murphy goalscoring capabilities is exactly what makes him special. He dont seem to have any extrodinary strengths as most arsenal youth player have. He isen’t superfast, or strong, dont have superior technique, or creativity, his passing isen’t extrodinary and his shooting and heading capabilities is normal (they aren’t that hard etc), but his positioning, reading of the game, capabilities to make the correct runs and to be in the right place in the right time is superb. He also has good finishing, which are more placing of t he shots… He could be a Robbie Fowler.
Sadly i don’t think that is enough, is he anywhere near the quality of Eduardo? Vela has that eye for the goal, but is also very skillful and VERY fast. I think he may be one of those players who excels in the championship but maybe doesn’t have enough to make the step up
In an article on Sept 14th where the U16s played against Coventry, winning 4-2, you mention Jernade Meade as a goal scorer for us. Who is he? I’ve never heard of him and he doesn’t feature on any Arsenal blog-site.
He’s a very young winger who can play up front. He’s very very tiny, but quick, tricky and a good finisher. He will be featured on the site from next season.
j can you say which players are likely to be profiled on your site next season?
its great. i’ve watched him some highlights he is very good finisher. Maybe i vill watch him in austria in summer! i like this site Jamie!