Arsenal has the reputation for giving first-team chances to youngsters in their squad and Mikel Arteta has continued that tradition.
The Spaniard has handed more responsibilities to Bukayo Saka and has given Emile Smith Rowe his chance to be a regular at Arsenal.
Both players have repaid the faith shown in them by the Spanish manager and they are expected to keep delivering fine performances for the club.
Players in the youth team will draw inspiration from them and remain hopeful of their chance arriving.
This preseason has given Arteta the chance to field even more youngsters and Miguel Azeez has been tipped to become the next big star that moves up through the ranks at the club by The Daily Mail.
The 18-year-old was in fine form as Arsenal beat Watford 4-1 in their latest pre-season friendly and his performance in the match has prompted the belief that he is now closer than ever to becoming a first-team player.
The report says: “Azeez has been tipped for big things and the buzz grew even stronger on Wednesday after his impressive second-half cameo against Watford, who are gearing up for life back in the Premier League.
“Azeez, who has bulked up during the off-season, looked assured on the ball and got his just reward late on in the pre-season friendly victory at Arsenal’s headquarters.
“After Nicolas Pepe played a quick corner into the feet of Azeez, the young midfielder shifted the ball onto his weak foot before curling home superbly into the far corner of the Watford net – leaving the goalkeeper with absolutely no chance.
“While it is very unlikely he will make an impact straight away, you can expect Azeez to get minutes in the cup matches next season for the Gunners.”
Azeez is very good on the ball and confident in his play. A good prospect for Arsenal. Also, I hope Willock is kept and not sold out or loaned out. He is another great prospect for Arsenal in the future. Atleast we have youngsters who can take Arsenal ahead in the long run, Saka, Tierney, ESR, Willock, Azeez, Balogun and Martinelli and now Tavares and ASL.
Totally agree I wouldn’t sell any of our youngsters until first we clear out the unmagnificent seven of xhaka, Elneny, Torreira, Kolasinac, Willian, runarsson and Cedric.
For me none of these players make my starting x1 and I’m not even sure would make my back up x1 in my favoured 433
Leno
(Okonkwo)
Chambers white Gabriel Tierney
(Bellerin holding Mari tavares)
Saka Partey Smith-Rowe
(Willock Lokonga Maitland-Niles)
Pepe Lacazette Aubameyang
(Nelson Balogun Martinelli)
23rd man – Nketiah
Only once I had sold the 7even would I consider selling anymore of the 23 man squad.
Seems a fair comment, until you come up against the REALITY of wages for ALL those players then still here and the 30 plus sized squad.
REALITY SO OFTEN SHOOTS DOWN DREAMS AND DREAMERS.
Azeez could stay and play U21 and cup games.
Or he could go on loan now.
Or he could go on loan in Jan.
I initially expected him to go on loan after a very impressive season with the U23s (as an 18-year-old).
However, with Patino (17 yrs old) back from a long injury, he and Azeez could form a formidable CM partnership for the U23s with the most impressive afforded a few calls up to the first team.
To say he’s bulked up in an understatement. He has the thighs of a rhino now.
Well , I hope he doesn’t come across the thighless rhino whose thighs he has stolen. They are proper fierce those beasts. Even with no upper legs!
To be serious , nothing wrong with a bit of exaggeration in the RIGHT place , as you have done!
It is when performance or potential is way overhyped and so soon, that I get cross.
So cross in fact that I go our seeking rhino thighs to bring to our club! David Attenborough is looking for me as I write, so I’m hiding!
He could certainly crack walnuts Jon !
AJ, Oh you are talking “nuts”!
If Azeez is giving more playing time,i think he is really going to explore all the good potentials that we need as a team
I didn’t recognise Azeez until they announced him – he has seriously grown!
OK let’s not overhype on the strength of one half. But he WAS terrific – bering in mind how many youngsters have been given countless chances and frozen, there’s something to be said for players who take to top level football like a duck to water, and grow rather than shrink with the pressure. It happened with ESR and Saka, and I truly think it will happen with Azeez.
Don’t send him out – like Saka he doesn’t need it. Its not like we are overwhelmed with top midfielders. Phase him in – he’s a gem.
If theres a club in England that can promise him 20 games a season,i would say send him out on loan.I understand the loan deals for Arsenal academy players have stipulations on a minimum number of games the player has to be involved in. I doubt he will get more than 10 at arsenal
What a legacy of brilliant youngsters have been left for MA ti nurture and help bring our club back to the glory days.
Without wanting to start yet another AW episode, it’s really interesting to note the thoughts regarding the seven players named as needing to be shifted out (four under AW and three under gazidis I think) and the crop of talented younger players signed during AW’s reign.
It just shows how much a gamble buying, selling and placing trust in youth is a gamble for ANY manager.
Good performance yesterday.
GOOD OLD KEN!
ALWAYS THERE WITH A WELCOME POSITIVE COMMENT, AMONGST THE TORRENT OF MISERY AND NEGATIVITY BY SO MANY ON HERE!
I’D CALL YOUR VIEW REALISM, IN FACT!
Can anyone throw some light on Azeez’s contract situation with us?
I keep saying we or not signing anyone after white unless a kid for the future like normal. This kid is ok but when he goes to man city or utd etc will he up is game hmm .but arsenal always go for the cheaper option instead buy wot we need anyway it’s going to be a long hard season again
Woe, woe and thrice woe, etc!!
It looks like a few of us were surprised by Azeez new physique !
yeah, i totally agree that azeez is a generational talent for the future. but for now, we need an xperienced player who has an immediate impact on the squad unless giving a minute for azeez. we need now DM(bissuma) or aouar AM(maddison) or odegaard RB(max aaron) and striker(lautaro) or L. Suarez.
HE should hopefully get chances this season. Every time I see Elneny on the pitch I’ll be thinking about how those minutes could’ve gone to developing Azeez.
I don.t think you will be seeing a lot of Elneny this coming season.
If Azeez is our new number 35 does anyone know what shirt Martinelli will wear?
Probably 11