It appears unlikely that there will be many opportunities for members of the U23 setup to feature at first-team level in the remainder of the season, but Karl Hein is set to remain on the periphery of the squad.
Hein has already been on the bench for the first-team on four occasions in the Europa League and is poised to be named amongst the substitutes again for tomorrow’s game against Benfica in Greece.
The battle between Hein and fellow goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is an intriguing one, but it appears that the Estonian is edging the duel at present.
At the age of 18, Hein has already been capped by his country on six occasions at senior level and he has also featured prominently for Arsenal U23s.
It is clear that Hein still has much developing to do as he often makes costly mistakes and his distribution is concerning, but he is capable of making some fantastic saves.
Next season should be an interesting one for Hein as he is set to experience senior club football for the first time. A loan spell would certainly be beneficial for him, and Arsenal have a sufficient amount of alternative youth goalkeepers to cope at U23 level in his absence.
Arsenal have a lot of faith in Hein, and, while Okonkwo may appear to be the better prospect at this stage, both goalkeepers have a chance of having a successful career, whether at Emirates Stadium or elsewhere.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
A season of 1st team action at a decent level would be great for Hein. Think he could be a future #1. I think we should move Runner on, loan one of Okonkwo or Hein and make the other the #3, and hopefully get Ryan signed up as #2.
We’ll only really know that in Hein sight.
What? I’m no longer welcome here?
Ah man.
Are you a sarcasm and pun bot? 😉 Well you are programmed pretty well. At least someone else stays humerous with Arsenal too. Have a nice day.
Well, maybe this site needs to review its pun legislation. Of course then it would be the National Stifle Association.
I was thinking that you’d post on this, I’d said if anyone can post a pun on Hein,he kan.
With Mendy doing well at Chelsea, it would be nice to see another keeper with African blood manning the goal posts. Thus I’m pitching for Okonkwo ahead of Hein. He has exciting potential and would make Africa so, so proud seeing that Africa loves Arsenal more than any other English club.
I was also thinking like. Is there or was there any english goalkeeper of african decent like ever? Ok David James comes to my mind … but else? A strange one.
Shaka Hislop and Carl Ikeme. I’m sure there’s also a good few in the lower leagues.
Africa is Gunner continent…especially among the elite. Thanks to Le professeur.
Oh yeah lets pick him just cos hes black
When did he mention we should pick him because he’s black? African I read?
I think you’ve missed the point there ‘mate’
whatever happened, my friend?
Karl Hein
That pun has given me The Thrills.
Can we loan arteta to manage a championship team for a couple of seasons while he learns to become a manager,
Then we can get a proper manager in to sort this mess out in the summer
Can we loan you to Tottenham? Then we can get some proper supporters for the team.