Several youngsters made an impact during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the USA but Josh Nichols perhaps enhanced his reputation the most overall.
The defender, who turned 18 during his time in the USA, impressed with his determined performances and will now hope that he will be able to make his competitive debut at some point during the season, perhaps in the League Cup.
Nichols is mainly a right-back but the Hale End product is also capable of operating effectively at left-back if required.
One particular moment, when he reacted quickly to close down Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, provided an indication of what Nichols is best at.
Nichols went into the tour off the back of signing his first professional contract, with the youngster having developed well last season.
It is anticipated that Nichols will be Arsenal’s first-choice right-back at U21 level this season following the departures of James Sweet and Reuell Walters.
The UEFA Youth League, a competition in which he featured last season, should also give Nichols further opportunities to gain experience.
Nichols will hope to remain with the first-team squad for the upcoming games against Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon.
However, even if he does return to the U21 squad, the impact that Nichols made in the USA will have given Mikel Arteta belief that the youngster could eventually be called upon for a competitive game.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
I was really impressed with his performances. He looks so small and young you are concerned but he is quick and alert, a good tackler.
Could have a good future
I had the same thoughts–who is this child?! But then you see him play and he really has something about him. Obviously the pace, but he also seems to be a very heady player for that age, someone who can read the game and the situation well.
This is great news!
@JeorgeBird Always read your articles, you do your analysis well. Thanks for keeping us updated on the good stuff the kids are doing.
Would be nice, if you could write something about those kids who left and an annual review of them would be great. I know asking too much.