Arsenal U23s are top of the league going into Monday’s game away to Blackburn Rovers, and coach Kevin Betsy is likely to have some difficult decisions to make in the near future with regards to his starting line-up.
Right wing-back is one position where there is particularly fierce competition. Zak Swanson is capable of playing there but he has often been used as a centre-back recently.
Ryan Alebiosu has produced some encouraging display at right wing-back this season, with the 19-year-old relishing pushing forward while also helping his side defensively.
Alebiosu is out injured but when he is back fit he will face competition for his place in the side from fellow Hale End product Brooke Norton-Cuffy.
Despite still being eligible for the U18s this season, Norton-Cuffy is part of the U23 squad and has usually acquitted himself when playing for the older age group.
An England youth international, he is skilful and is a diligent defender.
The battle between Alebiosu and Norton-Cuffy is an intriguing one, although it could be shortlived as Alebiosu is a candidate to go out on loan in the January transfer window.
Norton-Cuffy perhaps possesses more potential, but both players are talented and it will be interesting to see who Betsy turns to as his first choice.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Hello Jorge.
A quick unrelated question; do you work as a commentator for sports mail?
Yes I do.
Thank you for the article! It would be nice to hear more in depth about what has happened to Ben Cottrell this year, and why. I thought he was one of the best U23 players last year and I thought the club were waiting for him to physically develop before sending him out on loan. But this year he seems to have disappeared under the new manager???
Cottrell started the first game of the season but didn’t do particularly well and was then dropped. He got close to getting back into the team but then suffered quite a serious injury.
Sounds like we have three talented potential right backs to replace Cedric at somepoint in the near future and be understudy to Tomi – Good luck to all three and let’s hope at least one comes through and makes the step up to the senior squad.