There have been some significant changes for Arsenal U23s in the past week, with Kevin Betsy being appointed as Steve Bould’s replacement, while striker Mika Biereth completed his move from Fulham.
The U23 squad is still being finalised ahead of the new campaign with more players expected to head out on loan but the group Betsy will be working with is very exciting indeed.
It is anticipated that Biereth, who scored 21 goals in as many games for Fulham U18s last season, will lead the line for the U23s, and it is likely that Kido Taylor-Hart (who has signed a new deal) and Omari Hutchinson will be used out wide.
That front three should prove very difficult for opposing defences to deal with and there is hope that the U23s will be able to perform significantly better than last season, when Bould’s side narrowly avoided relegation.
In midfield Miguel Azeez and Charlie Patino are two superb prospects, while Brooke Norton-Cuffy will hope to be the regular right-back and Omar Rekik will receive plenty of playing time at centre-back in his first full season at the club.
First-team opportunities may be limited for Arsenal’s youngsters this season given the lack of European football, but lots of prospects will be pushing to get closer to the squad and Betsy’s first campaign in charge could prove to be very interesting indeed.
The former England youth coach is known for wanting his teams to play a progressive style of football and it is hoped that he will be able to get the best out of what is a very talented crop of players.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Currently I am more excited for U23 than the actual team…
Indeed, Patino, Biereth, Azeez, BNC, and Rekik all feel like they have a chance to make first team. And what a goal by Azeez the other day. I hope we draw some championship or lower teams in the cups so these boys get a chance.
Azeez has got lovely technique and composure every time I see him play. I just hope he can translate that to the big time, because he’s a real joy to watch after so long having such a dearth of dribbling talent in the engine room. I had to stop watching a video of Cazorla the other day because it almost made me cry to see how good he used to be. It’s gotten to the point where Azeez could be a total liability in midfield for all I care, I just want someone who’s actually good to watch and in… Read more »
Exactly 😊😊what a team !
Truth
Tasty
Honest question. We all believe we have some great u23 players. If the U23s are that good, how come they were almost relegated? I reckon Balogun, Azeez, Møller were all on it and we count them as great prospects. Do we have too many 18 year olds compared to the other teams or something else?
I don’t think Bould’s style of play matched that of the players at his disposal. Couple that with the fact that we sent a host of our best U23 players out on loan. We even had a few season-long injuries (Rekik in particular).
Hopefully it will pick up under Betsy.
I’d imagine the youth players must be buzzing with excitement. Not only have Eddie, Willock, Saka, Nelson, ESR et al got a chance to prove themselves with the seniors in the past couple of season – the team is dying for some fresh blood.
Looking forward to see them blossom and hopefully feature with the senior squad soon.
What about Ben Cottrell?
Cottrell is a very good player but he had a long spell out injured last season which knocked him back, he is one of those candidates set for a loan this summer which should see him develop.
Anyone knows what happened Catalin Cirjan? He never gets a mention anymore.
I think he’s injured.