In an eventful few weeks at Arsenal, there has been an intriguing emergence of a new strategy regarding how the U23s squad is utilised in conjunction with the first team. This new strategy is underpinned by the Academy's dual function of preparing the clubs most talented young players for the first team and producing players with value the club can profit from.
This approach involves three elements, one being; to use younger players then previously, for example Miguel Azeez and Catalin Cirjan are set to be key components this coming season. The next element is to utilise the loan system, sending the more experienced U23 talents out to get their first taste of senior football. Ben Knapper(Loan Manager) has worked alongside Per Mertesacker to establish relationships with clubs such as Swindon and Gillingham. Knapper carefully analyses the potential loan destinations to be certain they will provide the most effective development opportunities. The final piece of the jigsaw is the scouting and acquisition of what could be referred to as projects, players who may have been overlooked and released by clubs but could improve and create value that could be capitalised on, this signifies a low risk/high reward strategy. In the last week we've seen the capture of George Lewis and Tim Akinola who definitely represent this bracket and there are likely to be more.
The incomings and outgoings for the U23s are far from complete, but we can start to see the picture of what the squad looks like.
Goalkeepers:
This is an area that requires some decision making. Dejan Iliev will be the most obvious candidate to make way. There may be some discussion about whether Karl Hein remains or goes on loan, he is highly thought of by the club but his performances are not always consistent, the tougher challenge of senior football may help improve this.
Arthur Okonkwo is back training after a year away due to some personal issues, he may possess the most potential out of all of the Academy keepers and will hope to make the number one spot his own.
If Hein was to move on loan, one man who could emerge is James Hillson, who has continued to impress with performances when called upon. Tom Smith is another name in the mix, who finds himself down the pecking order.
Full Backs:
The right side seems quite clear with the impressive Daniel Oyegoke tipped to take the spot being pushed by Ryan Alebiosu. Jordi Osei-Tutu has returned to the club after a productive loan in Germany but it is likely he'll leave the club on loan or permanently. Zak Swanson's departure to the Netherlands has opened the space for Oyegoke to continue his positive displays.
On the left side Tolaji Bola remains, but at 21 its likely the defender will seek Senior football away from the club. Joel Lopez is the prime candidate to continue his development, Mazeed Ogungbo is also capable of deputising.
Centre Backs
Emulating the first team in true fashion, the U23s have a fair few centre backs. With Medley going on loan and Ballard likely to follow it does leave a gap for the likes of Mark McGuinness and new signing Jonathan Dinzeyi, who could be seen as an aforementioned project player. A decision will be made regarding Harry Clarke, whose excellent performances last season led to him train with the first team, Clarke may stay and lead the defence or could move on loan. Joseph Olowu returns from his loan in Ireland in October, Ben Knapper has received positive reviews about his displays, its likely he may leave on loan again but Bould and Mertesacker may want to have a look at him. Mazeed Ogungbo and Alex Kirk will also be looking in and hoping to make an impact at a new level, especially Ogungbo who is known for his leadership qualities.
Midfielders
The highly talented Miguel Azeez will be hoping to step up his development in central midfield and could develop a pivot with the tough tackling Tim Akinola. Ben Cottrell will want to maintain his spot as an attacking midfielder but he will face stiff competition from the very promising Romanian Catalin Cirjan, who caught everyone's eye last season, he also showed great chemistry in his combination with Azeez. James Olayinka gained a lot of admirers during his short time on loan, its likely he'll leave again, Ben Sheaf will also bring his time with the Gunners to an end. Considering this, we remain fairly light in numbers. Jordan McEnuff may fill that void somewhat, but the club may opt to add another midfielder.
Wingers and Forwards
The situation around Folarin Balogun remains quite blurry, whatever the outcome its likely he wont be playing U23s football this coming season. Tyreece John-Jules also has proved way to good for this level and will likely leave on loan with plenty of clubs queueing up to acquire his services. This leaves Sam Greenwood to lead the attack, the talented England international is versatile and known as a goalscorer, it will be an important season for him to step out of the shadows. On the wings, George Lewis will hopefully be showing us why everyone is excited about his arrival. Ben Cottrell could also be used wide if needed. Winger, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji will hope to make the step up and build on his impressive performances so far. With Alfie Matthews on trial at Palace this leaves the club needing more players up top, its likely another winger will be brought in to replace the departing loanees and Nathan Tormey.
Some big decisions need to be made on a few players and I'm sure a few more will come onboard too, but there is a lot to be excited about regarding this team and the new direction the BFG is as guiding us. We will learn a lot about the development of players like Greenwood and Lopez and also get to see some of our brightest prospects develop on loan such as Matt Smith and Trae Coyle. The new additions such as Lewis, Dinzeyi and Akinola will be interesting to keep an eye on. Hopefully all these changes will see good young players promoted to the first team and other young players leaving for good value, all these things will help move the club forward.
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