Xavier Amaechi underlines his status as an excellent prospect

Arsenal have some very exciting youngsters on their books at U18 level and amongst them is Xavier Amaechi, who has produced some excellent performances since returning from injury.

Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder but most frequently deployed on the right wing, Amaechi, who turns 17 in January, possesses excellent close control and poses a constant threat to opposing defenders.

Amaechi started the season on the sidelines owing to injury but he has certainly made up for lost time, scoring six goals in his last five games for Arsenal’s U18 side across all competitions.

Last night Amaechi hit both of Arsenal’s goals in the third round victory over Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Youth Cup as he provided another indication that he is a player with a very bright future ahead of him.

The prospect has already featured for the U23s this season and it is likely that he will become increasingly involved at that level in the second half of the campaign, especially if several players are sent out on loan in January.

Understandably, there are still aspects of Amaechi’s game which require improvement, such as his tactical understanding and his defensive work, but the signs suggest that he can at least challenge for a place in the first-team squad in the future.

The academy winter break has come at the wrong time for Amaechi, who has been in inspired form of late, but there is every hope that he will be able to start performing consistently again when the action gets back underway in January.

Arsenal learnt last night that they will face Liverpool away in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup in an intriguing tie.

Although Arsenal have several other talented players to call upon, such as Emile Smith Rowe and Tyreece John-Jules, the chances are that they will need Amaechi to be at his best to stand a good chance of going through.

Given the displays he has produced of late, you wouldn’t bet against Amaechi being the matchwinner again.

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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird