Pre-season is traditionally a time for youngsters to prove their worth for the season ahead, but the past few weeks have carried mixed emotions for Kristoffer Olsson and Jon Toral.
The promising midfielders, who both arrived at the club three years ago, were amongst the star performers in the victory over Boreham Wood a fortnight ago, with Olsson in particular catching the eye with a well-taken goal and some precise passes.
The duo were rewarded with a place on the plane for the next assignment of pre-season- the friendly against New York Red Bulls. However, on this occasion their time on the pitch was severely limited, with neither player able to make an impact in the 20 minutes they were afforded in the second-half.
There was further disappointment for the pair on Monday, as the return of several first-team players dictated that they were both left out of the travelling squad for the training camp in Austria, effectively ending their respective chances of promotion this Summer.
Olsson and Toral will still harbour hopes of making a long-term breakthrough, but time is starting to run out for both of them. Olsson, a Swedish U21 international, made his first-team debut in the Capital One Cup last season but is in need of a loan spell to further his development.
Toral, formerly of Barcelona, is now fully over the injury problems that plagued him during his first couple of years at the club, but he, too, would benefit from a temporary transfer, with a place on the bench in the Capital One Cup likely to be the limit of his first-team opportunities at Arsenal during the forthcoming campaign.
In the longer term, too, there are considerable barriers for Olsson and Toral to overcome. First-team central-midfielders Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere all have many years left at the top level, whilst Gedion Zelalem and Dan Crowley are considered excellent talents for the future.
At present, barring a dramatic turn of fate, it is difficult to envisage either of Olsson or Toral succeeding at Arsenal. Both are very promising players, but the events of this Summer have certainly emphasised to them the difficulties of making the grade at a top club.
–
Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Olsson is much more promising than Toral imo I don’t think not going on the Austria trip is the biggest deal tbh. Looking at the players who have travelled out of London recently, they’re all players who may be in consideration for this season, apart from Zelalem, who is technically a member of the senior squad (or was last season). Hayden, Akpom, Bellerin, these are players for whom there could be opportunities this season. But Olsson? As much as I rate him, he’s competing for the most heavily contested area on the pitch. A loan is practically certain this season.… Read more »
I agree with you and i think most people can agree Arsene loves youth players. If Kris is loaned and plays well i am sure Arsene will give him a chance. Its also looking likely that Arteta will move on at the end of the season he is still quality and experienced with a good attitude for the club though he is getting old. Plus if we sign a DM as many people are wishing we do what happenes to Diaby, Wilshere, Arteta, Zelalem, Flamini i wouldnt be surprised if Arsene didn’t sign a DM (though if an opportunity came… Read more »
I had a conversation with a Swedish coach a few months ago, he spoke highly of Olsson and Sweden have very high hopes for him. He compared him to a cross between Freddie Llungberg and Robert Pires. Hmmm if only.
He does need to go on loan though and impress.
I dont think that there would be place in for toral..on his position we have a lot of quality players .
.but for me olsson need to send on loan,he remind me on tomas and he could be great player
It will always be hard for the youngest to progress, especially now we’ve got a winning team in our hands and with the great amount of experience. On the positive side they are young and got many years of ahead of them..
it was a disappointment to see Jenkinson go out loan this season i thought this was his chance to shine, he is a promising lad but obviously arsenal sees something extra in chambers… Its a dog eat dog world out there… As the world is going everyone wants the success now not tomorrow… That’s football
Damn right about the Crowley kid though… That guy is class in miniature…
I remember there being an absolute shit storm when we nicked Toral from Barca. Seem to recall there being an epic fall-out in the directors’ box at one of our Champions League games against them.
Just goes to show that no matter how good you are as a youngster, nothing is guaranteed.
I really like Toral. He’s like 6’3!
Could very well be out very own (non-cunt) Busquets
Olsson just said to swedish media that he’s had enough of u-21 football and that he wants first team action, at Arsenal or somewhere else.
It’s all good. We’re slowly turning our academy into the best in the league. Even talented youngsters will have to be cut ruthlessly, but could end up doing well at a smaller club. Good times everyone.
Alex that’s interesting you mentioned that but what about coquelin? Who I think need a a serious boost of confidence right now. Cause I remember before him vengeance out he was making an impression especially I can still remember that game vs Tottenham at white Hart lane and he was a beast in that game. He definitely doesn’t lack commitment and he works hard it’s just his positional sense and passing let’s home down sometimes especially for a midfielder those are very key attributes you have to master. .gov it I think if he stays with the squad this yr… Read more »