Next season will be a big one for a few youngsters following the departures of reserve team stalwarts like Ozyakup, Hoyte, Murphy and the restructuring of the reserve league to make it an under-21 competition (with an over-age ruling similar to the Olympics.)
So lets have a look at a few of the youngsters who will see the new season as their chance to step up their bid for Arsenal first team.
Damien Martinez - The Argentinian keeper will be interested in what happens to Mannone and Fabianski. Could be our 3rd choice this season, although talks of a loan seem more likely.
Hector Bellerin - Signed a pro-contract, this season should see him get far more opportunities in the reserve team. This should be the season where his best position is determined, and we will get to see if he can step up as an attacking right back. I have liked what I have seen of him, and this season will hopefully see the Spaniards defending improve.
Martin Angha - A Swiss CB But so far Angha has looked like he can achieve more than Big Phil and JD. Pacy, decent in the air and uses the ball well. This is the season he should cement his place in the centre of defence rather than a utility man. An outside chance of making the Carling Cup team, and a loan later in the season is also possible.
Elton Monteiro - A year ago I would not have rated this kids chances as very high at all. Even 6 months ago he looked far from the real deal. However he has had a sharp rate of improvement. He has also shown leadership skills in captaining the youths. This season could see him establish himself in the CB position for the reserves. ANOTHER SWISS CB One has to turn out good, surely?
Samir Bihmoutine - Another who has won a pro-contract, a LB in the mould of Cole, Clichy and Gibbs (a winger turned into a LB). He should spend this season challenging Jernade Meade for the LB position for the reserves.
Kyle Ebecilio - Our last great Dutch hope. Another "New Vieira", he is a box to box midfielder. Struggled when he first stepped up to the reserves, but in the second half of last season started to make a real impression. Looks like he can mix it in CM, while retaining his technical ability. Possible loan next season.
Kristoffer Olsson - A technically talented kid, in the mould of Cesc. Rewarded for his first season efforts with a pro-contract, Kris will look to step up to the reserves this season. Uses the ball really well, and also gets a few goals.
Serge Gnabry - Don't think this needs discussion. An outside possibility for a Carling Cup place, depending on who stays and goes in terms of 1st team squad and injuries.
Jon Toral - Did well for the youth team last season, but yet to make an impact in the reserves. Had a few injuries, but will look to establish himself in the second string next season. Will be a big season for the former Barca boy, as his position is one where we have a lot of talent.
Thomas Eisfeld - Great debut, followed by injury, then impressive end of season displays and a show of versatility. A real chance we will see a lot of him in pre-season and at least on the bench in the CC squad. Will he step up or go down alongside Amaury Bischoff in Arsenal legends status?
Phillip Roberts - With Murphy gone and Ansah injured, Roberts should get a good chance of stepping up regularly for the reserves. Will be fighting the likes of Nigel Neita for a start, and has to seize any chance he gets.
A few others to look out for are Josh Rees, Isaac Hayden and Jordan Wynter.
Last day that Ozzy is a Gunner?
posted on 30/6/12
JJ. What does that mean? Took 2 minutes to write the article.
posted on 30/6/12
And what does a Manc fan care about Arsenals reserve team?
posted on 30/6/12
You should take over the Young Guns website D'jeezus! It's good to have an update on the reserves and youngsters!
posted on 30/6/12
Only if they let me in free to all the reserve games, pp!
posted on 30/6/12
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posted on 30/6/12
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posted on 30/6/12
Good we have DJ, because I haven't heard off half them players.
posted on 30/6/12
Shame we have posters who cannot stay on topic like El Capitan.
Fiddy, half of them are not yet reserve regulars and this season will be about forcing themselves ahead of competition. We have more established reserves still, the likes of Shea, Miquel, Meade, Yennaris etc.
posted on 30/6/12
Thanks for that article D'Jeezus Good catch up on the kids - some of whom I hate to admit I've not really heard of although I think Eisfeld, Samir Thingy and Kyle Wossname are the best prospects...
Also you stole my thunder as I was about to do a "what about Shea, Miguel, Meade?" reply. But you've done it. Ho hum..
posted on 30/6/12
Sir, think Miquel has to go on loan this season, unless he is part of the first team squad.
Think Martinez has overtaken Shea already.
Meade will still get a lot of game time, had a decent season last season.
Still think there are a few we could get rid of, Eastmond, Hajrovic, Boateng, Watt.
Henderson, Bartley, Lansbury, Afobe, Frimpong, Yennaris and Aneke are still around. Loans for all is most likely imo, although all will have a chance pre-season (bar the injured Frimpong of course).