The large number of Arsenal Academy graduates who fail to make a sustained impact at the club has been well documented, but within the confines of London Colney there is hope that two developing full-backs could go on to have sustained careers at the top level.
With several players in their respective positions having recently departed either permanently or on loan, Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill, an 18 year old left-back and Tafari Moore, a right-back who does not turn 17 until the Summer, have established themselves as key components of Steve Gatting’s U21 side in recent weeks.
Ormonde-Ottewill, despite only being in his second year as a full-time footballer, already possesses considerable pedigree for a player his age, having trained with Arsene Wenger’s first-team squad on several occasions. Very assured defensively, the England U18 international is also a threat in the opposing penalty area and scored his first goal at U21 level in the 2-2 draw away to Norwich City last week.
Moore (pictured above), who has been capped by England at U17 level, was a relative unknown a year ago, but the departure of Hector Bellerin on loan to Watford has benefitted him enormously, with the youngster slotting in well at right-back for the second-string. Strong in the challenge and calm in possession, he can still appear a little raw at times but is developing rapidly and has certainly not looked out of place for the U21s, for whom he has now featured five times.
Moore, given that he only commenced his scholarship this season, has plenty of time on his side and is likely to remain with the U21 team for the entirety of next season, but Ormonde-Ottewill is approaching the stage of his development where a loan spell would be a useful pathway to first-team football.
Such a scenario is unlikely to happen until midway through next season, but, with Jernade Meade no longer at the club and no real contenders in his position who are younger than him, Ormonde-Ottewill appears to have a very good chance of making the first-team squad at some point in the future, so long as he keeps progressing at his current rate.
The future looks bright for both Moore and Ormonde-Ottewill, but having seen several players in recent years tipped to make the breakthrough before eventually failing to do so, they will both be all too aware of the difficult challenges that await them in their quest to reach the top.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Whats the chances of Bellerin challenging Jenkinson ???
He has a very good chance, I think, but it’s a bit frustrating that he’s been left out of the Watford team in recent weeks.
I actually wanted to sign a RB this year or Jan so Jenks could go out on loan, I think even a year in Championship would be fantastic for him
It gives me a very nice feeling hearing of our youngsters doing well. 🙂
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill. Absolutely mouth-watering. If that doesn’t strike fear into the opposition, and weak knees into women, I don’t know what will. Fingers crossed this happens.
The more hyphens in our squad, the better.
Tafari Moore looks a great prospect, but Ormonde-Ottewill got absolutely torn to shreds against chelsea in the youth cup. Can’t remember the wingers name he was up against but he outclassed him entirely.
Always enjoy these articles. Sometimes they are even far more interesting than what is going on with the first team! Good prospects can’t hurt, I hope they do come through the ranks well. We can certainly use another good RB.
Fantastic
Whenever I hear or read the name ‘Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill’, I can’t help but think of The Arsenal Gent. Anyway, the future’s bright, the future’s double-barrelled.
Just wanted to say thanks for the article. That is all
Is Ormond-Orville posh? He sounds like he is!!!!! Lol 🙂
Moore looking good to be next Sagna yes? hope he pull through.
Good luck to the lads. Won’t get any hopes up just yet, still a long way to go. Names like j.e.t and Henri lansbury spring to mind.
Moore and Ormonde-Ottewill…..together they sound like early 20th century explorers….”Just back from the conquering the Northern Himalyas where they single handedly wrestled a Yeti…Moore and Ormonde-Ottewill line out for The Arsenal…Tally Ho!