Young Arsenal star needs to beef up….somewhere else!

Crowley on the move!

Whilst many are focused on incoming stars there are some young Gunners at the club who are pushing towards first team duties. The likes of Chuba Akpom, Jon Toral and Yaya Sanogo have all been mentioned and next up is Dan Crowley!

Dan Crowley is a well known Arsenal youth star and features regularly amongst Arsenal’s youth ranks. He is one of the brightest prospects currently on Arsenal’s books and has been pushing for a first team squad place ever since last season. Many had hoped that the young Englishman may get a few opportunities in Wenger’s side next season, especially in the early cup games. However, it seems most likely that Crowley will now be heading out on loan away from the Emirates next season.

Speaking to the media, in an interview picked up by the Metro, Crowley was quoted saying:
‘I have spoken to the boss [Wenger] and he says I’m not physically ready for the Premier League just yet. That’s fair enough and I completely agree because it’s a tough league on your body and there’s so much running that people don’t realise. So I will work on that and hopefully be ready when my time comes. I don’t want to be pushed in and not be ready. When I get my chance I want to make sure I’m ready and take it.’

Lots of respect to Crowley for recognising that although he has lots of potential, he still may not quite have what it takes, both physically and mentality, to take on the challenge of the Premier League yet. It shows that the youngster is not big headed about his potential like some can be and can later become frustrated with a lack of first team opportunities. The example of Fran Merida most recently comes to mind and look where he is now.

As Crowley states, the Premier League is tough and physically the youngster needs to continue training to grow into a bigger and better player before placing his name on the grand stage. Crowley previously had a three month loan spell at Barnsley, where he was praised highly by his manager, for some top class performances. I have every confidence that Crowley will make his way into the Arsenal first team, hopefully after next season and you never know he could turn out to be a future Arsenal and England star.

Crowley has been likened to the style of fellow Gunner Jack Wilshere, which makes his potential even more exciting as we all love Jack’s style of play. Let’s just hope he doesn’t end up with the same injury concerns as his fellow teammate and countryman.

By AH