There have been many cases when Arsenal youngsters have gone out on loan and barely played for their temporary clubs, but Ben Sheaf is enjoying a particularly fruitful spell with Doncaster Rovers this season.
Sheaf has been a mainstay in midfield for the League One side and has produced some composed performances, impressing with his neat passing and well-timed tackles.
Last night the 21-year-old scored the first goal of his senior career as he found the net in Doncaster’s 7-1 thrashing of Southend United.
So far this season Sheaf has built upon the experience that he previously gained on loan at Stevenage in League Two, and he will aim to continue to perform consistently for the remainder of the campaign.
Injuries have often halted Sheaf’s progress at Arsenal, with the youngster, who can also play at centre-back, having spent much time on the sidelines.
Now, however, he is relishing being able to play regularly, although it is still difficult to envisage him getting an opportunity at Arsenal upon his return.
The most likely scenario is that Sheaf will be allowed to depart Arsenal permanently next summer, and the displays that he has produced this season will certainly alert other clubs of the qualities that he possesses.
For now, Sheaf will be focused on making an impact for Doncaster, who have a chance of securing a play-off spot in League One this season.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com. Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
A midfielder who can play neat passes and produce well timed tackles….. Sounds like a replacement for our Captain???
If only..
Why not? Look at Gnabry and Mullen now. I think he’s he’s worth a try when he comes back. Otherwise another one will have slipped through the net.
… An own goal
He’s in a similar mould to Chambers, very technically astute for a defensive minded player. I’ve not seem much of him these last few years but I do remember he was lacking a little bit the athleticism to “really” take over games but he does well when the game flows through him.
I think he needs to be tested at Championship level at least before he’s introduced to the first team though.
I was there in Durban when he took player of the tournament as our young side won the 2015 Durban U19 International Football Tournament title. He stood out and really showed how good he was technically. His long range shooting and passing were amazing and his size was impressive at that time. I think he should be given an opportunity, maybe he might just be our own Rodri.