Brooke Norton-Cuffy has made over 100 senior appearances but has still yet to make his competitive debut for Arsenal.
The defender, who can operate as a right-back or a right wing-back, has amassed a wealth of experience via loan spells over the last few years, spending time at Lincoln City, Rotherham United, Coventry City and Millwall.
Norton-Cuffy has also progressed on the international stage, winning the U19 Euros with England in 2019 and going on to represent the Three Lions at U21 level.
Given that he is 20 years old, Arsenal now face a decision regarding whether to promote Norton-Cuffy to the first-team squad, loan him out again or potentially sanction a permanent sale.
Breaking into the first-team squad at Arsenal is very difficult for any young player at present. Ben White is firmly established as the first-choice right-back, while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber are also capable of playing there but are seemingly mainly seen as options at left-back at present.
With Reuell Walters leaving, Norton-Cuffy is the defender who is closest to the first-team should any opportunities arise.
However, it may well be best for him to continue his development elsewhere and carry on getting regular playing time. Norton-Cuffy has already proven that he can perform well in the Championship and making the step up to the Premier League is presumably his next objective.
Norton-Cuffy is capable of pushing forwards well and also makes vital contributions defensively. It would be fantastic to see a defensive academy product become part of the first-team squad at Arsenal but it remains to be seen if he will get an opportunity.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Tough for him given the current group of world-class defenders. If I were him, I’d go on loan again, get more experience and come back once PL quality is proven.
The fact is – when we were finishing 8th we could afford to chuck on ESR and see if he sinks or swims.
But now, only a player of unbelievable and generational talent is going to break through. They need to be immediately better than Kiwior, Jorginho or Fabio Vieira.
I don’t know when the notorious BNC’s contract runs out. But if it’s 2025 we should be selling these players on for a small profit.
It seems mad we are letting players like Okonkwo and Walters leave for free with all the experience they have mounted up.
Totally agree with you and also enjoyed the oblique rap reference.
This goes out to you…..
Johnny Johnny Johnny, can’t you see
Sometimes your words just hypnotise me
And I don’t love City’s cheating ways
That’s why league’s a joke and theyre so paid
I think that’s a pretty good summation. On one hand it is frustrating that we are not giving youth players much (any) game time – on the other, and more important hand, we are challenging for the big honours and until we start winning then it is hard to justify taking any risks (blooding youth over giving squad players the games to keep them fresh).. I think we’re going to sell some home grown players this summer (ramsdale, nketiah, nelson and smith-Rowe 😢) so we are going to need to replenish this loss with some eligible players – and I… Read more »
I think it really depends on how you want to handle League and FA Cup rotation. Assuming league title and CL are priorities, you will want to go deeper into the squad for the lesser titles (sorry FA Cup). But, we are getting to the point where we can field a rotated first XI in those competitions without dipping into the academy much, and I expect our ambition will be to chase all four cups hard. Hard to know if BNC is the next Bellerin or just another guy until he plays at the next level. Loan him out ala… Read more »
If he’s happy to prove himself well worth a season as understudy to Ben, get exposure in carling Cup, premier league fa cup and champions league .
Ben’s a machine but can we really get two consecutive seasons out of Ben, salibs and gabri playing nearly every game , doubtful so be opportunity for Norton Brooks Cafu
We need a fullback , cdm and striker/forward and probably a no2 keeper so why look any further than young lad mad keen to prove himself and invest heavier in the cdm or forward
I’m a really big fan of his. I think he is very similar to Ben White, but a little bit more dynmic and more willing to play forward (and also very agile). I wish we will keep him somehow.
The amount of experience in this young age is not a coincidence in my opinion.
Do you think a loan to a side newly promoted to the Premier League would be a good option?
He’s not at the level , Jeorge. That is all that matters. He won’t be a first teamer with Arsenal.
I have watched him live at 3 of his 4 loans. And most of his televised games. Sell to a championship club, if we can.
If anything he regressed