As Arsenal U21s get ready for the new Premier League 2 campaign, coach Mehmet Ali currently only has one natural left-back in his squad in Elian Quesada-Thorn.
Quesada-Thorn has endured many problems with injuries in recent seasons but is a very talented player and he will be determined to stay fit this campaign and make the most of any opportunities that he is afforded.
Although Josh Nichols and others can fill in at left-back, Ali may well have to turn to other options at some stage as the campaign progresses.
Cam’ron Ismail will be determined to step up if called upon. The prospect first featured for Arsenal U21s when he was a schoolboy but hasn’t had many opportunities for the second-string in the ensuing period.
Now aged 17, Ismail is one of the more experienced players in the U18 squad and his overall game has developed very well.
Although Ismail is still expected to mainly feature for the U18s this campaign, he will be eager to impress at older levels. Previously called up by Egypt at youth level, he has excellent close control and relishes supporting the attack, while he also has good defensive awareness.
If Ismail continues to develop then he could well be offered a professional contract and step up to the U21s on a full-time basis in 2025. For now he will be aiming to carry on progressing as much as possible.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Good luck.