Arsenal are blessed with a very strong youth setup right now, and it seems only a matter of time before some of the youngsters make the step up to the senior squad.
A couple of members of the Arsenal academy have already managed to get first-team opportunities under Unai Emery this campaign. Julio Pleguezuelo started against Blackpool in the League Cup, whilst Emile Smith Rowe has become a regular in the cup and the Europa League, as well as making the Premier League bench a few times.
However, the Premier League 2 champions of last season have plenty more to offer the senior side if Emery wants to draw on them. Let’s have a look at the top five candidates for chances this season.
2Joe Willock
- Age: 19
- Position: Central Midfield
- Youth appearances (2018/19): 9
- Youth goals (2018/19): 5
- Youth assists (2018/19): 1
Willock is another who made his first-team debut under Arsene Wenger last season, but arguably he’s proving even more deserving of opportunities this campaign.
The midfielder never really wowed the Arsenal fans during his senior opportunities in 2017/18, but he’s pushed on massively in the current campaign. That’s been particularly evident in the EFL Trophy, where he has three goals in two appearances against senior opposition.
Willock also got an assist in his only first-team appearance in pre-season, and he’s scored big goals against Tottenham and Liverpool for the u23s. Those goals are just the cherry on top of his dominant midfield performances for the youth teams, showing he’s ready for another senior opportunity.
To the doubters, I’d like to point out that Reiss Nelson only occasionally caught the eye in the first team last season, and look at him now. Willock looks a different player this campaign, and he just needs a chance to prove he can do it at senior level under Emery.
Click ‘Next’ for the other academy stars set for first-team minutes this season