Friday, October 18, 2024

Julienne and Ibrahim can add depth to Arsenal U21s’ right-back options

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.

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

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