Much has changed for Marcus McGuane this season, not least his name.
Formerly known as Marcus Agyei-Tabi, the diligent midfielder has made tremendous strides in his first season as a full-time footballer as he has signed his maiden professional contract, trained with the first-team and broken into the U21 squad.
Although he mainly featured out wide for the U18s last season, McGuane, who is adept at helping to set the tempo of a game with precise passes, has been restored to his favoured deep-lying midfield berth this campaign.
The youngster is efficient at breaking up attacks and, although he can occasionally take a few too many risks with his attacking endeavours, is also capable of making a sizeable impact going forwards.
McGuane has had no difficulties whatsoever in terms of adapting to the physical nature of U21 football, with the prospect often prevailing in tussles for the ball.
The aim for McGuane now will be for him to hold down a regular place in the U21 set-up and to then become increasingly involved with the first-team.
A player who is highly regarded by Arsene Wenger, McGuane has previously represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level, but he has since switched his allegiance to England and will be hopeful of working his way up the ranks for the Three Lions in due course.
As far as his club career is concerned, McGuane has surpassed expectations so far, but there is a feeling that there is still so much more to come from him. A regular run of games for the U21s, for example, would help the youngster to iron out some of the flaws in his game, such as his occasional lapses in concentration.
At just 17, McGuane has plenty of time on his side to improve further and, if he continues his current upward trajectory, it wouldn’t be surprising if he was to become a regular participant in first-team training sessions in the not too distant future.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Awesome name.
Good info JB!
Very interesting. I watch the U21s at times, but I must admit I haven’t seen much of Marcus McGuane. Based on how much we’re missing Cazorla, I’d say the deep lying role is a crucial one for us, so McGuane could be an important player in the long run. Time will tell I suppose.
McGuane sounds like McClane of die hard fame. It’s a win for me, Clive.
Also speaks a lot that he’s pledged his future to England, shows he has the determination at this Young age to try and make the most of career as much as possible, with absolutely no disrespect intended to anyone from the Republic of Ireland. There’s more competition numbers wise to make the England first team midfield so he obviously believes in himself which bodes very well for us.
JB – What’s serge gnabry status, his loanee club say he ‘s too fat, wenger say loan as of now nothing.
Send him to Charlton now!
Why did he change his name?
to sound less irish after he stopped playing for them
Because McGuane sounds awesome! Almost like McBain (of The Simpson’s fame) or McGuano. If ever I change my name it’ll be to McGuano!
doesn’t that mean Mcsh*t?
McBatshit if you please.
I am eagger to see one of these guys blossom. One like the Man U boy who made a joke of our defence.
Agyei tabi is a Ghanaian name, but I am pretty sure he’s not ghanaian . Any reason for the name change?