Catalin Cirjan remains one of the most talented players in Arsenal’s academy, but the 2020/21 campaign didn’t go entirely to plan for him.
The prospect was unable to establish himself as a regular starter for the U23s as he frequently flitted between that age group and the U18s.
In addition, while Cirjan is most effective as an attacking midfielder, he was often deployed on the right wing in the early stages of the season and also played deep in midfield on some occasions.
As a consequence, it was difficult for the 18-year-old to build up any sort of momentum during the season, and there was then further frustration as his campaign was ended early by injury.
Cirjan is still recovering from that problem but will hope to be fully fit for the start of what will be a very important campaign in his development.
The Romanian youngster will no longer be eligible to play for the U18s, so he now has the opportunity to be a key player for the U23s, and his cause will be helped if the likes of Miguel Azeez and Ben Cottrell push on to more involvement in first-team football in some capacity, whether at Arsenal or on loan.
There is much to like about Cirjan’s game – he has excellent technique, is a great passer and isn’t afraid to shoot from distance. He is also now starting to become slightly stronger physically, which will help his overall development.
Now, after a frustrating season, he will be determined to make the next campaign count as he looks to edge closer to featuring for the first-team.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
He’s a talented young player and hopefully he can push on and do really well next season.
Was hoping he could match Azeez in terms of his potential for a first team place. But the step up from youth to pros is so difficult, isn’t it. Hope he can realize his potential.
Yup he is highly rated think almost as much as Zelalem was. But do hope his fortunes aint same as Zelalem. Think Azeez will break into first team next season wouldnt mind the kid getting games ahead of Elneny.
Yeah, me, coming from a rather poor footballing nation, am just hoping for him to come good and to be a role model for romanian kids and Romania in general. I would love to fill our CAM hole with the likes of Cottrell/Cirjan/ESR/Hutchinson/Flores for it feels like forever ;). I think it is just so important for the club to get academy graduates in and around the team.
Agree with Comedian and Viv. It would be great for Romanian football for a young player to come along and make his mark on European football. Haji was/is the genius of Romanian football but it would be great if Catalin can make his mark…
And Zelelem…yes, there was a lot of unrealized potential there. Being from the US, I followed him closely while at the club and really hoped he developed into a first team player but it just didn’t happen. Think he’s in MLS with New York FC now.
With the right players around him, could he step up this season? Even for 15 games?