There was a considerable amount of hype when Vlad Dragomir joined Arsenal in 2015, with the midfielder arriving with a reputation for having stellar technical ability whilst also being able to unlock defences with precise passes.
Dragomir showcased some tantalising glimpses of his undoubted ability during his first season at the club, but he was unable to perform consistently as injury setbacks and the physicality of the English game hindered his progress.
Now, however, the youngster is starting to thrive, with Dragomir becoming increasingly involved for the U23 and U19 sies, having been mainly called upon for the U18s during his maiden campaign at Arsenal.
The 17-year-old is capable of operating effectively in various positions- he can play on the left flank or as a central midfielder- but seems best suited to playing as an attacking midfielder, where he can make use of his aforementioned attributes.
With Arsenal having a host of talented creative youngsters at their disposal (the likes of Jeff Reine-Adelaide, Chris Willock and Reiss Nelson spring immediately to mind) Dragomir certainly faces a battle in order to break into the first-team at Arsenal, but for now his immediate aim will be to attempt to establish himself as a fundamental part of the U23 side before the conclusion of the campaign.
Although not the strongest player, Dragomir’s superb passing has seen him earmarked as one of the most talented youngsters currently in the Arsenal academy set-up.
First-team recognition remains some way away for the prospect and certainly won’t happen this season, but the initial signs regarding Dragomir’s progress are certainly very encouraging and he will hope to hit even greater heights as the campaign progresses.
Dude’s got the best footballer name since Vennegoor of Hesselink.
I was JUST thinking the same thing. Man, Jan Vennegoor or Hesselink had such an awesome name, that back in the day, I made an Oblivion character named after him. A vampire, who was a suave old ladies man, who only wore those classy blue robes and drank wine.
He sucked, died constantly and never got any women. But was my favourite character, on the strength of his name.
The next Gedion Zelalem?
Love reading these stories about talent coming through the academy!
I really wish the EPL could have B teams competing on lower divisions (Like La Liga). That would increase the quality of young players, their competitiveness and give them a good deal of experience.
Would be cool but how do you decide what division they start in?
Start them in the National League and give them a maximum promotion to League One.
I say let them move all the way into the championship but don’t allow for promotion.
I would just play him in the team for his name.
Dragon killer
Go Vlad!
Lol making encouraging strides.
Dragomir the Dragon. What a classy name. Would be nice to see it behind his back in Arsenal team, tormenting those zombies at Stanford bridge
Does he fear the sun?
I think he has a big stake in the future of this club