With a host of youngsters having been away with the first-team in America during pre-season, Arsenal U21s have found their options somewhat reduced for their recent fixtures.
The U21s have called upon many U18 players, but one of the comparatively experienced players in the squad, Harrison Dudziak, has stepped up well.
Having recently signed his first professional contract, Dudziak, who often captained the U18s last season, will now be part of the U21 squad on a full-time basis.
The hard-working midfielder achieved a significant milestone last night as he scored Arsenal’s goal in a 3-1 defeat to Bishop’s Stortford.
When the likes of Michal Rosiak, Jimi Gower, Salah-Eddine, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly return from America, the competition for places in midfield at U21 level is likely to be intense.
However, some of those players will be aiming to play at a higher level and that could provide an opportunity for 18-year-old Dudziak, who already has some experience of playing for the second string.
The UEFA Youth League could also represent a good opportunity for Dudziak to make an impact this season.
It will be interesting to see how Dudziak progresses this season as he aims to make the most of the opportunities that he receives.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
We seem very short of strikers at u21 level. Who player up front now Chido Martin has left.