Last season Zech Medley made three appearances for the Arsenal first-team, with some supporters suggesting that the centre-back could be the answer to Arsenal’s defensive struggles.
This campaign, so far at least, has been considerably less positive for Medley, as not only is he some way away from first-team involvement, he has also been reduced to a rather peripheral figure for the U23s.
The regular involvement of Konstantinos Mavropanos with the second string has particularly harmed Medley, while Harry Clarke has also leapfrogged him in the pecking order.
At the age of 19, Medley still has time to turn his situation around and if Mavropanos was to go on loan in January it could pave the way for him to get back into the starting lineup for the U23s.
Medley possesses the physical attributes required to make an impact at senior level – he is tall and can compete well in one-on-one duels.
In addition, the former Chelsea youngster is very skilful, although he does occasionally take some unnecessary risks in possession.
A run of games for the U23s in the second half of the season could help to restore Medley’s confidence and boost his chances of getting back near the first-team.
Next season could be an ideal time for Medley to head out on loan, which will provide a useful gauge of the level that he is currently at.
It has been a difficult season so far for Medley but he still has time to re-establish himself as one of the club’s best defensive prospects.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
I think a loan would be beneficial if he is not getting game time here.
Is this just a matter of getting enough game time for Mavrapanos to regain form after a long injury layoff?
How is Mavrapanos performing? Hopefully, a loan in Jan. McGuiness seems to also be seeing less game time.