Five Arsenal youngsters that will be looking to break into the first team this term.
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If there is one thing Arsene Wenger is known for it’s bringing in young players into his sides and turning them into genuine superstars. Last season a few of their latest talents poked their heads above the water, but this season the manager may be forced to call upon his younger charges with more regularity as the club look to remain competitive on all fronts and build on last year’s FA Cup success. Below are five of the brightest that will be expected to stake a claim for more game time in the Premier League.
5. Isaac Hayden
When Wenger sold Thomas Vermaelen this summer, he had been widely expected to replace him with someone of equal value. However, that didn’t happen, and though Callum Chambers arrived he is still being viewed as an eventual replacement for Bacary Sagna at right-back. This chain of events could, and hopefully should, create some opportunities for the talented 19-year-old. Hayden has shown a lot of promise in the youth teams, and is capable of playing both at the heart of the defence and in midfield, which suits the gunners perfectly as he can fill in to positions where the club are short.
4. Gedion Zelalem
The latest German to represent the club made his debut in the FA Cup last season in the 4-0 victory over Coventry, and his promise is so high that he was even promoted to the bench on occasion, too. Wenger clearly has huge plans for the 17-year-old, handing him a new contract earlier in the year, and he has already begun to make a splash on the international stage having represented Germany at various youth levels. His chance will likely come in cup competitions before it does in the league, but if he grabs his chance when it comes then more regular appearances will surely follow.
3. Yaya Sanogo
The Frenchman’s regular inclusion into the side will come more out of necessity than merit as Wenger failed to find a replacement for the injured Olivier Giroud. Still raw, it’s obvious that Wenger rates him, and if he is in the right place at the right time even once the his starting spot will be justified. He has showed glimpses that he can evolve into a wonderful player, but for that to happen sooner rather than later he will need support.
2. Hector Bellerin
The young defender made a name for himself on loan with Watford last year, and the fact that he hasn’t been loaned out again this term could speak volumes over his plans for the Spaniard. Capable of filling in at either left or right-back, he will likely get his chance when the games start coming thick and fast around November time. His pace and crossing are a constant threat, and in Arsenal’s current style of play will prove a huge benefit, and it will also serve to cover up his frailties in defence.
1. Francis Coquelin
The 23-year-old is no stranger to the Gunners first team, but despite his early steps into the side he has struggled to hold down a regular spot. Having undertaken several loan spells the time could now be right for him to take the step up. His versatility allows him to play at full-back and defensive midfield, and he even played some games as a winger for Freiburg last season. There are, however, still questions over his attitude, but if he is to finally take his chance then there is no better time than now thanks to Mikel Arteta’s injury and Mathieu Flamini’s disciplinary problems.
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