Former Arsenal academy manager Andries Jonker was reluctant for many of the club’s youngsters to play above their age group but, with the Dutchman no longer at the helm, several members of the U18 squad have been getting opportunities at U23 level of late.
One player who falls into that category is Tyreece John-Jules, with the first-year scholar being rewarded for his hugely impressive performances at U18 level.
Capable of playing up front or behind the striker, John-Jules was deployed as a left-sided forward as a depleted Arsenal U23s side were beaten 3-1 by Swansea City on Monday night and, despite the disappointing result, the 16-year-old emerged from the encounter with his reputation further enhanced.
John-Jules is a hard-working player and, while his main focus is on scoring goals, he is also very effective at holding the ball up and bringing others into play.
A fine dribbler, the Hale End graduate frequently gets into dangerous attacking areas, although he missed an inviting opportunity to score against Swansea City.
During the recent international break John-Jules trained with the remaining first-team players at London Colney and he made quite an impact, on one occasion scoring a fine goal after getting the better of Calum Chambers.
The prospect will have to be patient to even be considered for first-team involvement in cup competitions but he is developing very quickly and will aim to establish himself as a regular for the U23s before the conclusion of the campaign.
The third round of the FA Youth Cup is also on the horizon, with Arsenal hosting Sheffield Wednesday, and John-Jules will hope to both be involved in that competition and make a major impact.
So far his first season as a full time Arsenal academy player is going very well indeed.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Is he related to Cat from Red Dwarf?
Danny John-Jules is his uncle.
Reason enough for a call up in my book.
So what is it?
Magic door.
I was wondering if he was when I saw his name a few months back. Great.
We seem to be getting a real crop of technical players coming consistently every season now.
Perhaps it is the work we have been putting into them from a young age. Good work!
Thanks George! Love these updates.
Joins first team
AW : Welcome to LWB, John Jules! I err am sure you’ll find it little bit tough to play there but uhh you get to play for the first team.
Across the years we’ve had many young players with potential.
The problem is that some can’t make the step-up to senior level and some get side-tracked by their social life/off field matters.
Hopefully young T J-J will make the step up and won’t be distracted by nightclubs etc.