In recent games Arsenal have fielded a significant amount of schoolboys at U18 level, with talented U15 prospect Brando Bailey-Joseph amongst the players that have been involved.
Bailey-Joseph, who is usually deployed as a winger, made his debut for the U18s as a substitute against Fulham last weekend as he replaced Seb Ferdinand, who went off injured in the 17th minute.
As Arsenal took on West Bromwich Albion yesterday in a 2-2 draw, Bailey-Joseph was given another opportunity to impress from the bench when he came on for Osman Kamara in the 65th minute.
Jack Wilshere certainly seems to have much faith in Bailey-Joseph given that he is selecting him ahead of some older players who are already on scholarship contracts.
Bailey-Joseph recently provided an indication of his potential as he was named the player of the tournament as Arsenal U15s won the Premier League International Tournament.
Prior to that he featured for Arsenal U17s at the Flamengo Adidas Cup in Brazil, which was another beneficial experience for his development.
The youngster will be looking to get as much playing time as possible with the U18s before the end of the season and will subsequently be looking to really challenge for a place in the side next campaign when he will be an U16 player.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Long way to go but looking good so far. Fingers crossed for him.
Step well.
Brando? Well if he’s good I sure hope we make him an offer he can’t refuse