The academy season may be over, but some of the best prospects from the U23 squad have been involved in first-team training of late.
One player who falls into that category is Matt Smith, with the central midfielder having produced some encouraging performances for Steve Bould’s side this campaign.
The 19-year-old is known for his excellent passing range and has often caught the eye when he has been drafted into senior training sessions in the past.
Smith will hope that he can make his Premier League debut when the season resumes, with the increased number of substitutes available to Mikel Arteta giving the Hale End product a greater chance of being involved.
In the 2018-19 season Smith was influential as he helped Arsenal U18s to win the southern section title, and he has continued to progress well since then.
Next season will certainly be an interesting one for Smith, who could head out on loan at some stage in order to test himself against senior opponents.
Arsenal do have various options in central midfield at present, but Smith will be determined to seize any opportunity that he is afforded in the remainder of this campaign.
—
Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Great to read. We certainly will need all the talents we can get, because there is no way we are going to buy the majority of the top talents out there,
but rather find them early and develop them.
Should be nice to have the 11th doctor playing for us
I heard a rumour that Jodie Whittaker is on the verge of signing for Arsenal women ready for next season as a goalkeeper????
So much younger than he used to be too. Isn’t time travel wonderful?
Hi Jeorge. Welcome your thoughts but do you think the lack of crowds, possibly getting on the back of young players, will give them a greater chance to shine, especially protected from the demanding Arse fans and as a result players like Matt Smith may see increased opportunities?
I think most of the youngsters would be able to cope with the pressure of playing in front of demanding fans. However, I think if they are involved in the next few weeks one benefit could be that they are used to playing in stadiums without many supporters so it wouldn’t be a major shock to them.
Thanks very much for your reply
It’s better to promote the academy guys like before Arsene Wenger did to the likes of Fabregsa
Fabregas arrived from La Masia aka Barca Academy.
Jeez, that is a dismal, post apocalypse photo
Jeorge, who would you compare Matt Smith too?