Rob Holding says he can’t believe he’s signed for Arsenal following a whirlwind six-months in the Championship with Bolton Wanderers.
The 20-year-old broke into the Trotters’ first team last August but was quickly jettisoned to the club’s development team before a remarkable return in December saw him nail down a regular first team berth.
His eye-catching performances in the second half of the season secured him Bolton’s player of the season award and not long enough the big boys came calling.
“It’s a massive club to have signed for,” the centre-back admitted in his first interview with Arsenal’s official website.
“It’s something you dream of as a kid, so I can’t wait to get started.
“I was over the moon – I couldn’t believe it at first because of the size of the club. It was just a long way to get it done and get down here.”
The youngster faces stiff competition for a place in the heart of Arsenal’s defence with veterans Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny already battling with Gabriel and Calum Chambers.
Holding though, feels up for the challenge. “There’s massive competition here,” he continued. “It will only improve me. It will push me to new boundaries and hopefully I can prove my worth.”
Working in the defender’s favour is his versatility. Like Chambers before him, he can operate both in the centre and on the right, although he made clear he prefers a role in the middle.
“I felt more at home at centre-back than I was at right-back. It [verstality] gives you more chance of getting in the team, the more positions you can cover. If they need me to play anywhere along the back, I’ll be more than happy to do so.”
So what does the young man know about our illustrious club? Well, it sounds like he wasn’t picking the brains of recent teammate Wellington Silva, that’s for sure.
“I’ve watched them on the TV mainly. I’ve never been down to London. They’ve always played nice football, they’ve got a reputation for playing nice football. That suits me and hopefully I can bring what I do.”
We look forward to seeing Holding in action soon, he’s expected to be part of the squad that visits the States next week.
If you look at this case in pure isolation from transfer saga in our club, I think he makes a pretty good signing. Low fee, low risk, and possible rock at the heart of our defence in a couple of years.
After a successful future partnership with Calum Chambers, our brick wall defense will be called ‘The Holding Chambers’ #WelcomeToTheArsenal
😀
Oof, bravo!
Might not be the CB topping any fans list but this is one we can do with. Reminds me a bit of younger Koscielny, hopefully he fills those boots and takes whatever chances are given to him. Extra cover and competition is never a bad thing….only wish we’d apply the same logic to the position(s) even Ray Charles could see we need *sigh*
Not seen any of him but young Kos sounds good, particularly if you see chambers more in the mold of a BFG replacement. Could make a good partnership.
Welcome to Arsenal! I am excited for you……..don’t mind the vitriol, it is not aimed at you. You see, we all read and watch too much ESPN fc and so our cauldrons are boiling.
You have to feel for these guys.
Take Asano for example. He must have been typing on these pages if he is an Arsenal fan.
“Sign some fuckin World Class Striker”
then his agent comes in and tells him Arsenal want him.
imagine his horror when he reads some of the posts about himself, Sanogo, Chamakh, before he’s even kicked a ball for us
What a nice guy!
Seems like a nice lad in the video, very northern though, I wonder who in the squad will help him settle in (particularly given he’s never been to London before). Bar Welbz, I can’t think of too many of our players who have played or lived up north.
Jack will look after him since he played up at Bolton. I hope Chambers and Holding will be our CB pairing in 2-3 years time.
Mate, he’s going to be earning a nice wedge at 20 years old and living in arguably one of the greatest cities in the world, where he can afford any flat he wants. Also, at his age, I doubt he’s a family man, so his priorities in his life will be: playing football and getting laid. He’ll be fine…
That’s what I’m afraid of! The bight lights of the city can all be a bit much for a lad who’s lived in Bolton all his life
I’m sure he’ll be fine, I just worry about our younger lads though!
beyond the waaaal
snoooooo
Looking forward to a huge coq holding competition
And so it begins.
Welcome to Arsenal, and the best of luck!
We apologize that the announcement of your arrival coincided with Gazidis telling us, essentially, that the club’s ambition aims no higher than 4th place.
Wenger says he wants the team to play with out the handbrake….
now we find hes planning on Holding back
Am relishing to see Koscielny-Holdings’ next season
Can he play Holding midfielder?