Earlier this season Arsenal youngster Ben Cottrell was reportedly attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund and Marseille.
Given the standard of Cottrell’s performances this campaign, it is easy to see why such clubs are interested in signing him, with the winger having provided some tantalising glimpses of the quality that he possesses.
Although he is short in stature, Cottrell hasn’t encountered any problems adapting to the step up in physicality at U18 level and has started to hold down a regular place in the side for Ken Gillard’s team in recent weeks.
Capable of making an impact whether deployed on either flank, the 17-year-old is a fine crosser of the ball and he is also capable of locating his team-mates with precise short passes.
One aspect of Cottrell’s game that he is seeking to improve is his goalscoring, and the talented youngster took a step forward in that regard today as he found the net for the first time this season in the U18s’ 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.
The next objective for Cottrell will be to continue to perform consistently as he looks to earn a professional contract at Arsenal, something which will surely come in due course.
With Arsenal having some hugely talented wingers in the U23 squad at present, such as Xavier Amaechi and Bukayo Saka, Cottrell may have to be rather patient as he waits for an opportunity to test himself at a higher level.
Before then, though, Cottrell will be determined to continue impressing for the U18s and will hope to be involved in some capacity when Arsenal continue their FA Youth Cup campaign next week with an intriguing fourth round tie at home to Tottenham.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Omg! Another fine young player, who can play out of position for the senior team to fill a hole if someone’s injured……..OX,AMN, etc etc……sorry , I’m just a bit tired today
Which one is he in the photo above the article???
The one behind the hills , Hills have eyes.
Clue is in the title.
A lot of people lost interest in Arsenal’s playing style today.
Many lost interest in the coach’s tactics and selection.
Some lost interest in Arsenal’s season.
A few lost interest in AFC itself after today’s snoozefest.
(Some players too didnt look interested, to be honest)
So, Ben Cottrell, please dont take this lack of interest in you, personally. Good Luck! Keep at it.
Most neutrals have lost interest in Arsenal some time back.
As Wenger said, everyone prefers to think he has the prettiest wife.
Too many people delude themselves that we have some great players or playing style. never mind the weaker players like elneny or jenkinson, even the more popular ones like Torreira get blinkered opinions when performances in recent games may prove otherwise.
We need a senior winger on the right now. Inexplicably a decision was made to loan out Nelson to his benefit but our detriment. The transfer/loan management has been questionable to say the least. AMN on the wing (against Liverpool) was far too high up and far too casual. We need players who can beat opponents on one on ones. Iwobi is the only one close to this in current squad and all responsibilities fall to him on left side. The right side has be deficient for some time and we conspired to neglect Mahrez instead allowing ourselves to be… Read more »