Chuba Akpom and Isaac Hayden haven’t always been able to command a regular place in the Hull City starting line-up this season, but both players will be at Wembley for tomorrow’s Championship play-off Final against Sheffield Wednesday.
Hayden may not make the squad for the showpiece fixture, but Akpom is likely to be included amongst the substitutes and the young forward will be seeking to make a major impact if he is thrown into action.
Akpom and Hayden have gained valuable experience out on loan this campaign, with the pair having got out of their comfort zone.
When Akpom assesses his season as a whole, however, the striker will surely be rather disappointed with his return of only seven goals in 41 appearances across all competitions.
Hayden, meanwhile, has featured just 24 times, and it seems clear that, despite learning much this season, both players are still not ready to break into the Arsenal first-team on a regular basis.
Akpom is excellent technically, quick and a direct runner, but he has struggled to find the net with regularity during his loan spells and there are question marks over his consistency.
Hayden, meanwhile, is capable of making precisely-timed challenges from his defensive-midfield position, although he doesn’t appear to be a long-term option for Arsenal given that he can often find himself overrun when subjected to sustained pressure.
Neither player should be written off just yet given that they are still rather young, but this season has been rather frustrating for both individuals.
Next campaign will be crucial for both Akpom and Hayden, as they are set to head out on loan again, with the difference being that this time their respective futures will be on the line.
For now, though, they will simply be hoping that Hull can return to the top flight at the first time of asking.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
For every one that comes through to the first team at Arsenal there are 20 that don’t.
Though they often go on to have great careers eg Nordveit or Stokes or Ozyakup and may even come back to Arsenal level.
At least there is a safety net for most of our youth team.
Most? The guys you mentioned are, sadly, the exception to the rule. The majority actually end up disappearing much further down the league than one could possibly imagine. I’m still amazed as to just how far down some of them have dropped. That DM in particular, who’s name escapes me right now. But yeah. I was a fan of Hayden, still am. I think he was incredibly unlucky to get injured at a time when there was a Janice you could feature as a CB for us. I’ve still got question marks all over Akpom. Afobe was more talented and… Read more »
You’ve got question-marks all over Akpom? Me too!!
Someone call Batman, the Riddler is on the loose again!
Craig eastmond is the DM now playing non league
If Akpom had had a major impact on Hull this season, it woul have been the perfect opportunity for him to have covered Welbecks injury, for the coming season.
Just can’t see them make the cut..but never say never.
But you just ‘said’ it twice?
These articles on the wider fringe of players at the club are great. Thanks Jorge.