Catalin Cirjan had to wait longer than most youngsters to test himself in the senior game but the midfielder is certainly making up for lost time.
The 20-year-old’s time at Arsenal has been hampered by injuries and he spent over 400 days on the sidelines with knee problems before finally returning to action in August 2022.
Following an encouraging season at U21 level, Cirjan subsequently headed out on loan to Rapid Bucharest in his homeland of Romania, with his temporary club having an option to sign him permanently if all goes well.
Cirjan made an impact in pre-season as he provided several assists and he has now taken that form into the regular season. After making his debut in a goalless draw against Sepsi, Cirjan then provided an assist for the opening goal in a 3-0 victory over Universitatea Cluj.
If he continues to perform to such a high standard then a permanent switch to Rapid Bucharest will be on the cards.
Such a move would be a little disappointing given that a few years ago he was considered to be one of Arsenal’s brightest prospects.
However, Cirjan is now at the stage where he needs to be playing senior football on a regular basis and this loan move could be the beginning of a lengthy career on the senior stage.
The most important thing is that Cirjan is fully fit and is playing well, with the hope being that he will continue to impress.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Cirjan, Pattino, Azeez, Smith, there seems to have been a few bright midfield prospects who haven’t quite made the grade. Of course there is a high turnover of youth players and the average fan only hears about the 10% with the most potential. But it does feel a little disappointing that none of these lads have been able to push forward and challenge for a few minutes in midfield for the first team.
Yes, a year ago I was thinking Patino will do, but we are now aiming for catching City, who are the best in the world, and so the competition is sky level.
Man city do bring their kids on and get them involved and give them game time at the end of prem matches. Maybe that’s the luxury of being so in control they can afford to. Maybe that’s the luxury of buying the league…
The important question is how many of those kids actually graduate to be able to come on when the match is still on the line. Otherwise it doesn’t matter much how many of them get a few minutes at the end of games.
even in the summer lull an assist for Rapid B. isn’t really worth mentioning. but maybe that’s just me, I’m biased against the level of football in Romania nowadays…
De inteles, nici eu nu sunt impresionat 🙂
But one can hope…
You could say that he’s made a rapid start…
Cirjan forward