Jimi Gower played a prominent part as Arsenal U18s reached the final of the FA Youth Cup last season and now the hard-working midfielder is making an impact at U21 level.
Gower was rewarded for his efforts with a first professional contract in the summer and he has proceeded to feature prominently for the U21s in the early months of the campaign.
When everybody is available there is fierce competition for places in midfield for the U21s, with the likes of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri both very highly regarded.
Gower, though, has qualities that make him a useful option for any coach as he is always looking to close opponents down, while he is also a source of creativity.
The son of former Swansea City player Mark Gower, Jimi certainly seems to possess a lot of tactical awareness for a player his age, which should be of use when he goes on loan for the first time.
It is notable that the 19-year-old also often trains with the first-team, while he was called up to the senior squad for a friendly against Watford in pre-season.
Breaking into the senior setup on a permanent basis will be a major challenge but Gower has given a good account of himself while playing for the U21s and he has also recently been involved with the U19s in the UEFA Youth League.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
No news on the chap that score 10 against Liverpool U-16? Chido-Obi…fluke or truly prodigious talent?
Very good prospect. He should get more chances with the U18s soon.
Thank you,I hope we can keep his like and Nwaneri etc…away from other clubs…he’s 6’2 at 15 and strong with an eye for goal and still growing… sounds like a Halaand type
With the Eden Hazard agent bung fresh in our minds it does make you wonder quite how much filthy lucre Chelsea have thrown at parents and agents in order to tempt them away from Arsenal etc in the last 20 years or so?