Following the departures of James Sweet and Reuell Walters this summer, Arsenal U21s are somewhat short of options at right-back. Brooke Norton-Cuffy is still at the club after returning from his loan spell at Millwall but it seems unlikely that he will play for the U21s this season.
Josh Nichols, a talented player who recently signed his first professional contract, now seems likely to be the first-choice option in that position for Mehmet Ali’s side.
Arsenal U21s’ lack of depth at right-back was emphasised in their opening pre-season friendly against Boreham Wood when Osman Kamara, a winger who is best suited to playing on the left flank, had to fill in as a right wing-back.
Nichols was unavailable for the U21s’ friendly against Enfield Town last night after training with the first-team earlier in the day.
As a result, Ali had to call upon two of Arsenal’s new first year scholars as his right-back options against Enfield.
Theo Julienne, who can also play in midfield, started the match and operated as an inverted right-back as he demonstrated his impressive understanding of the game.
In the second half Ife Ibrahim was called upon at right-back and he too gave a good account of himself during the 2-1 defeat.
Ibrahim has mainly played in midfield but he filled in at right-back for the U18s towards the end of last season and is now being used increasingly often in that position.
Given the situation at right-back, it seems likely that Julienne or Ibrahim could be needed at some stage for the U21s during what is set to be an eventful campaign.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
