Standing out from the crowd at youth level can be a difficult task, but Arsenal youngster Stan Flaherty has taken some significant steps forward in that regard in recent weeks.
The first-year scholar, who is still only 16 years old, started the season on the periphery of proceedings for Arsenal U18s and didn’t even make the matchday squad for the first four games of the season.
After playing 45 minutes against Southampton and receiving another runout against Norwich City, Flaherty provided an indication of the quality that he possesses by scoring the winner against West Ham United with a header prior to the international break.
That intervention earned Flaherty a place in the starting lineup for today’s game against Reading and he seized his opportunity, scoring again with a fine free-kick and also providing an assist for one of the goals scored by hat-trick hero Folarin Balogun.
It isn’t guaranteed that Flaherty will be able to retain his place in the side next week, with highly-regarded schoolboy Yunus Musah set to come back into contention.
However, in the past two games Flaherty has demonstrated that he is capable of making an impact at U18 level, something which should stand him in good stead as he looks to earn a professional contract.
A hard-working player and an effective crosser, Flaherty will now be full of confidence and it will be intriguing to see how he develops.
Some of the other first-year scholars, including Alfie Matthews, Josh Martin and Ben Cottrell will seek to draw inspiration from Flaherty in terms of taking their opportunities when they arrive.
Arsenal U18s, who are currently second in the table behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur, return to league action in a fortnight when they face Swansea City away, with a home game against Fulham to follow thereafter.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Jeorge, most of the outstanding performers at youth levels seem to be attacking players or forwards. Is there an upcoming CB that you rate highly? Someone who could make the grade at Arsenal?
Daniel Ballard has done well for the U23s but is still quite far from the first-team.
Thank you Jeorge.
I second the previous question from gooner1981, and I would like to add to it by asking if there are any up-and-coming defensive midfielders, or deep-lying playmakers, that are rated highly for the future?
Of course, it is very difficult to predict these things, as a lot of things can change, and happen, along the way. But it would still be interesting to hear your thoughts on this. 🙂
Matt Smith and James Olayinka are talented deep-lying playmakers.
What about Robbie Burton?
He’s more of an attacking midfielder, but he’s talented as well.
Thank you. 🙂
I’d imagine given Arsenal’s style over the past few years attacking players have been the focus, we’ve seen a lot of defenders come and go without making an impact (applies to the first team as well admittedly)
The new teams focus is clearly on youth so hopefully they can find a few gems
Thank you Jeorge, I always love your articles on the youth team 🙂