Amani Richards made a major impact after joining Arsenal towards the end of last season following his departure from Chelsea.
The striker demonstrated his ability as he impressed for the U18s and also featured for the U23s.
This season, however, hasn’t gone entirely to plan for the 17-year-old as he has been on the fringes of the U18 team.
That hasn’t been through any fault of his own, though, and is simply due to the fact that there are too many strikers at the club, with the prolific Khayon Edwards still playing for the U18s even though he should really have moved up to the U23s by now.
Richards was given an opportunity against Everton in the U18 Premier League Cup yesterday as he received his first start of the season. He certainly took his chance and found the net in a 2-2 draw with a powerful finish.
It is hoped that Richards will now receive further playing time, with the prospect certainly among the standout youngsters in Arsenal’s academy when he is at his best.
Although Richards has found himself in a difficult predicament at times this season, but there have been signs that matters are about to change and it is hoped that the second half of the season will be considerably more eventful for him.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Good luck to him.