Jimi Gower looking to build on encouraging first season with Arsenal U21s

The 2023/24 season was Jimi Gower’s first as a full-time member of the Arsenal U21 squad and the 19-year-old will surely be pleased with his overall contribution.

A hard-working midfielder, Gower amassed 20 appearances for the U21s in Premier League 2, while he also featured in the EFL Trophy and was involved in numerous training sessions with the first-team.

Earlier in the campaign Gower had established himself as a regular in the side, although he featured as a substitute in the last few games as coach Mehmet Ali settled on a midfield trio of Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jack Henry-Francis and Ethan Nwaneri.

Henry-Francis is likely to go on loan next season if he remains at the club and although Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri could still take part in some U21 fixtures, the expectation is that they will also be pushing for involvement in senior football of some description.

Therefore Gower could become one of the more established players in the U21 setup, which will involve him passing on advice to younger players coming through.

One thing that you are always guaranteed with Gower in the side is hard work, with the youngster always working tirelessly to close down opponents.

Gower is capable of playing neat passes with regularity and also makes intelligent runs to get into dangerous attacking positions.

After scoring three times for the U21s this season, Gower will be aiming to add to his tally further next campaign.

It will be an important season for the youngster’s development as he will be looking to earn his second professional contract and push closer towards first-team involvement.

If he can build upon what he has achieved this season then Gower, the son of former Swansea City player Mark, could well thrive for the U21s.

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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird