If the question had been asked three years ago whether Dan Crowley would be an Arsenal first-team player by the summer of 2016, then the answer would have been an unequivocal “yes”.
As it has transpired, however, the youngster hasn’t been able to develop quite as quickly as had initially been anticipated, with the likelihood being that Crowley will spend much of next season out on loan in search of regular game-time.
Crowley still possesses the qualities that made him such a standout prospect in the first-place- he has excellent close control, is a fine dribbler and is capable of playing incisive passes.
However, the same flaws in his game that were apparent upon his arrival are still very much intact, with the youngster possessing a tendency to hold onto the ball for too long at times, while his reluctance to shoot is a little concerning.
Crowley gained a fleeting taste of first-team football this season via a loan spell at Barnsley, but, upon his return to action with Arsenal at U21 level, the youngster took some time to get back to his best.
Breaking into the Arsenal midfield will be an extremely difficult task, with Arsene Wenger having a plethora of options available in that area of the pitch. As a consequence, Crowley is set to be sent on temporary transfer once more, and it is hoped that this time he will be able to feature frequently and improve his consistency.
Crowley remains one of Arsenal’s most impressive young talents, and, at the age of 18, still has much time on his side to fulfil his vast potential. This season, however, is very important for his development, with the prospect having to show that he is ready to put in the requisite work to fully establish himself in senior football.
There is still a chance that Crowley could make the breakthrough at Arsenal- it just isn’t as inevitable as it one appeared to be.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
But what about Jamie Vardy?
#FreeVardy
Let it go, we will see what happens.
If it happens,it happens.
Seems that attempt at humour went down like a lead balloon.
Crowley back to you
Too busy being loaned to play behind Girouuuud
Really hope Dan keeps going, he’s an exceptional talent and from my hometown of Coventry, so i’m rooting for him even more. His family all live in my area and he’s back here a fair bit. Really am rooting for him!
“while his reluctance to shoot is a little concerning.”
Sounds ready to me.
Funnily enough, the two paragraphs about his style of play could perfectly describe Jack Wilshere
Exactly what I was thinking.
*arsenalready
Has he grown any since joining Arsenal?
I remember that he was like 5’5″ or something. Deck is stacked against you at that size.
Cazorla is not taller. He does not jump higher than opposition defence in set pieces but you know what a talismanic player he is.
The point is that you have to be extremely good to get away with that lack of physicality. Santi is that good, so he’s able to make up for his size (see also: Messi).
I still want to hear a rendition of “Mister Crowley” from the North Bank, so I hope he makes the grade.
He was hyped up so much when he first arrived whilst Toral was seen as not good enough and now Toral is on the edge of first team and Crowleys gonna go spend another year on loan in the lower leagues. Just shows it’s not always the ones who shine who do eventually make the grade
LANS
Remember Zola
Crowley is no Zola from what I’ve seen.
I’m sure I’ll get hate for this, but every time I see him he looks like he thinks he’s better than the players around him, hence the holding onto the ball part mentioned above. He gives the evil eye to people when they don’t give him the ball, for example.
I get it that we want young players, but he’s still a teenager. Let’s give him some time before we decide he’s not breaking into the first team.
Arsene should bought only two players with good leadership (beside skills) , and trust his youth players and giving more chances. Crowley would surely be the great player for Arsenal also for England, he need only chances and have faith in him.
with the pressure on Wenger to deliver next season , I hardly think he will take the time to develop Dan into a first team player . too much at stake for him (Wenger ) to deliver the goods