Miguel Azeez went into his loan spell at Wigan Athletic knowing that, realistically, it would have to be a success in order to boost his chances of succeeding at Arsenal.
After spells at Portsmouth and Ibiza in which he was unable to really stand out, Azeez headed to the struggling Championship side and was determined to impose himself on proceedings.
The midfielder featured against Cardiff and Luton but since then matters have taken a turn for the worse as he has been left out of the matchday squad for five games in succession.
It needs to be taken into consideration that Azeez was signed by Kolo Toure, with former Arsenal U21s coach Kevin Betsy, who was part of his coaching staff, having played a key part in the deal.
Toure and Betsy ended up leaving Wigan shortly after Azeez’s arrival, with Shaun Maloney taking charge. Maloney has spoken about how Azeez needs to work hard in training in order to earn a place in the matchday squad.
On Friday Azeez featured for Wigan’s U21 side against Preston, which is hardly an ideal situation for a player who is 20 years old and who not too long ago was widely considered as one of Arsenal’s brightest prospects.
Azeez’s qualities are clear – he is a fantastic passer and has superb technical ability. However, so far he has been unable to translate that to senior football. Azeez seems to want to play the game at a slower pace, which works at U21 level, but isn’t the best approach in the senior game.
It is hoped that Azeez will be able to turn this loan spell around and still be a success at Wigan, but they have just 13 games remaining and at the moment he isn’t able to get on the bench.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Well if he can’t get on the bench at Wigan, he can forget Arsenal.
If his previous loan spells had been a success, then there’d be some leeway. But it doesn’t look promising.
Don’t be too hasty…a certain Serge gnabry couldn’t get into a mediocre team on loan and went on to be one of the best players in Europe…..
Wigan was the wrong call to be honest…send him to Holland
You don’t just send a player to any country. There has to be at least a club interested for that to work out. You’re also forgetting his last spell was at UD Ibiza.
This is the moment where he either knuckles down and fulfils his potential or goes wayward like Jay Emmanuel Thomas, playing in the lower leagues.
Wigan may not be a glamorous destination but he has to take the opportunity he has and prove himself. There’s always someone who wants your place when you’re a footballer.
Shows how fast things can change at any level in football. I could have sworn months ago that he’d be knocking on the first team door around this time.
I hope he realizes quickly there are no guarantees in football and learn something from the hardworking Patino
I guess he does realise that already. Sounds like a change in management team hasn’t helped him.