Well his last loan was in the Championship so it's a step up. I don't think it's a poor loan, hopefully he really stands out there, if he doesn't then we should be worried. Given his play style he should've been loaned here to Spain initially IMO, Ibiza loan instead of the Portsmouth one would've made a lot more sense and he'd probably be farther along in his development.
Nah I'm happy with that. Most of these guys need first team football asap they're above u21s.
Why couldn't we keep Azeez & Patino at least & give them a bit of game time & experience in the Cup competitions this year?
Honestly would it be enough? They'll get 6 games tops and then continue to play U21 football where they have nothing to gain anymore. I'd be in support of the idea if I believed Arteta would actually give them significant time. They're better off playing at least 20-30 consistent games.
I think Patino could have a very fruitful loan at Blackpool. He was unfortunate to be injured, but he'll play a lot of games in the Championship.
Hehe interesting that Reuell Walters has almost being forgotten about. We are in a weird spot whereby in Europe we'll have to pick one of Sousa or Walters as both can't qualify yet for an u21 spot due to not being in the club for over 2 years yet they are the two who I feel are the most ready and deserving (excluding Smith). I think Sagoe Jr might get the nod before ACD ; both have been equally impressive this season.
Totally agree. In addition, he is a victim of his own ability. As Cowley pointed out he's technical ability is probably PL standard but off the ball work, which he probably never needed to do much needs a lot of refining, so he needs a place which will allow his technique to take precedence as he learns. I can never rule out a player making it but it will only get harder for him. The academy is churning out a lot of talent each year. Azeez is to me what Reiss is to @MutableEarth . His arch nemesis from u17 euros Lucien Agoume is only starting to get his ground in Ligue 1 though has 63 games of top flight football. Musah has almost played 100 games in La liga so he's lagging behind. But I have faith. All he needs is one decent season in men's football and I'm hoping this loan does that because in terms of pure technical ability he's up there with the best Hale End has produced.
Nwaneri might be with the first team pre season at this rate. The club is really pushing him higher and higher because all the hyenas are sniffing around for him. Playing for Arsenal u21s at 15 is incredible though.
The word was that he was going to Liverpool this Summer. But yeah, he might be the truth for real. Just waiting to see what happens with Lewis-Skelly. Just as highly-rated but battling injury issues very early on. Nwaneri though already making a splash for himself at this level is unprecedented though. Even the likes of Wilshere and Nelson were 16 (albeit still schoolboys). Nwaneri is solidly 15 years old and will barely be 16 when he becomes a scholar next year. It's incredibly early for a player of his age to not only be starting at U21 level but to be contributing to goals and dealing with greater physicality (against Blackburn no less, a very physical U21 outfit) without much issue bodes extremely well. We absolutely HAVE to try and keep him at least until he is ready for 1st team football, where we can assess his development further.
Yeah forgot about those two. Don't know how serious Walters' injury is, hopefully he's back soon. I like James Sweet but Walters is as solid as they come. It's interesting because I think Sagoe Jr has been one of the strongest players so far in the early stages of this term. It's conceivable that they'll do something with him as he has everything an Arsenal attacker needs IMO. Definitely a darkhorse and a player who's really capable of moments in high pressure situations. I'm also hopeful about Taylor-Hart given we have opted to keep him here. That said, I'm really anxious to see what they do with Cozier-Duberry. To me, he's become an integral player at this level, he's aced every game he's played so far and should be starting regularly. If there's anyone I'd give a cameo to at the minute, it's him.
I think his small frame will likely be used against him but I think he's shown a resilient enough mentality, a great deal of energy and acceleration as well as excellent technical ability and versatility. I think he's likely to play at a pretty high level and I'd like to see him get a few opportunities for us at Arsenal.
