Tommy Setford has yet to play a game for Arsenal at any level but the goalkeeper has still enjoyed an eventful start to life at the club.
When Setford joined Arsenal from Ajax in July he was assigned to the U21 squad with the expectation that he would frequently train with the first-team.
Shortly after signing, Setford travelled with the first-team for their pre-season tour of the United States and he has remained with the group ever since.
Following the closure of the summer transfer window, the 18-year-old is now installed as the third-choice goalkeeper for the first-team behind David Raya and Neto.
Due to Neto’s late arrival and the departure of Aaron Ramsdale, Setford was named on the bench for the game against Brighton prior to the international break.
For the other two Premier League matches this season Setford warmed up with the other goalkeepers prior to the game and that could well be the case again for the clash with Tottenham this weekend.
The only concern so far is that Setford’s first-team commitments have meant that he hasn’t yet been able to feature for the U21s.
The England youth international could play for the second-string at some stage and he may also be hoping to make his senior debut against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup later this month, with Neto cup-tied for that fixture.
Despite not taking to the pitch, Setford will have learned a lot from the start of his Arsenal career and the highly-rated youngster will be determined to make a major impact when called upon.
—
Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Tommy Setford , didn’t he stab Mad Franky Fraser in the dog and bastard that time?