Like several of Arsenal’s first-year scholars, Mathaeus Roberts was on the fringes of the U18 squad for the early stages of this season.
In recent weeks, however, the attacking midfielder has become increasingly involved for Dan Micciche’s side and has demonstrated his creative and technical qualities.
Roberts scored a brace against Reading, while he also provided an assist against Brighton & Hove Albion recently.
The 17-year-old is now establishing himself as an important player for the U18s and next season he should be a regular at that level, while he was also be looking to push into the U23 squad at some stage.
Roberts has also been making encouraging progress on the international stage and has represented Wales at U18 level.
A player who isn’t afraid to shoot from distance, Roberts will hope that after a frustrating start to the season he will be able to finish it strongly.
With Arsenal having a lot of creative prospects in the academy, Roberts may have to show patience again at some points of next season as he waits for chances in the U23s, but he has shown that he is a player who deserves a look in for the second-string eventually.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
nice
What sort of midfielder is he? Stout and creative, or the nimble sort, able to evade players as he drives forward? Is he able to set the tone at a swift pace and turn with the ball, because Xhaka will need replacing in a year and a half’s time – and he takes two touches usually to do so. And we need a steady but creative partner to Partey, and eventually, Lokonga, when he takes centre-stage.
This is the best way we can achieve long term sustainable success: having a productive academy.