When a youngster is attempting to make the breakthrough, fortune can often play an important part.
Given how events have unfolded of late, Sam Greenwood could have an excellent chance to demonstrate his credentials for Arsenal U23s next season.
The 18-year-old could be installed as the main striker for Steve Bould’s side depending on what happens with the other young forwards at the club.
As has been well documented, Folarin Balogun’s future at Arsenal is uncertain, while there is a good chance that Tyreece John-Jules could head out on loan again next season as he looks to build upon the experience that he gained at Lincoln.
With the club deciding not to offer Alfie Matthews a professional contract (he is now on trial at Crystal Palace), Greenwood, who is no longer eligible for the U18s, could certainly see a lot of playing time for the U23s next season.
Greenwood already possesses some experience at that level having scored once in five appearances, with four of those outings coming as a substitute.
A player with good technique, Greenwood can also play out wide or as a number ten but will be hopeful of being given an opportunity to shine in his preferred position.
Greenwood has an excellent goalscoring record for England at youth level – he scored 12 goals in 14 games for the Three Lions’ U17 side – and he will hope for further recognition on the international stage.
In addition, having been at the club for two years, Greenwood will now be eligible to feature in the Europa League. Perhaps it will be a little early for him to be considered for first-team action next campaign but you never know what may happen with injuries to others.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
With funds tight and likely to remain so, the youngsters could play a vital part in the coming seasons (although the destruction of parts of the scouting network won’t help). They must be given a fair chance when it’s considered that they’re ready though. We’ve lost quite a few talented young players for little or nothing who have gone on to be successful elsewhere.
Would love him to become better than the Man United version for bragging rights
At the moment we can all agree both Martineli and Saka are better than Greenwood
There’s a decisiveness that Greenwood has that is stone cold. Impressive.
Can you imagine Greenwood and Greenwood playing up front for England in 5 years from now? Now wouldn’t that be something. Especially if they have Ross ‘Bark’ley playing in front of them. Ok enough internet for today
It’s the tree house for you
Nope, sorry.
Because he has a name that is associated with Manure……..I don’t want anything to do with him and neither shud Arsenal.
Bit of advice son, change your name to Henry or Silva or Adams
A footballer named Greenwood? He is obviously the brother of that other famous Greenwood guy, what’s his name?
Oh yeah Jonny Greenwood from Radiohead.
I might be wrong.
Also the brother of Colin then
Have high hopes for this lad. Personally think he’s a far better prospect than balogun. Has genuine football intelligence
Haven’t watched him (Greenwood) play a lot.
But do you think that Fola lacks “genuine football intelligence”?
You may need to read this…
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/football/2020/jun/29/groundbreaking-report-reveals-racial-bias-in-english-football-commentary