Portsmouth manager praises Arsenal youngster
The Arsenal youngster Miguel Azeez might not have hoped for things to go the way they eventually did at Fratton Park.
The young midfielder just appeared 10 times for the League One outfit Portsmouth, as he struggled to establish a spot in Danny Cowley’s team.
However, the 18-year-old will certainly be looking at the remarks by his former coach, after his loan spell was cut short by his parent club Arsenal.
Cowley – who was instrumental in Emile Smith Rowe’s development, when the Englishman was on loan at Huddersfield two years ago – was impressed with what he saw with Azeez.
Arsenal keen to assess how Miguel Azeez has developed after his first stint away from the club before deciding whether he remains for the rest of the season or is loaned out for the second half of the campaign. [@AdrianJKajumba]
— LTArsenal™ (@ltarsenal) January 14, 2022
The 42-year-old English coach believes that the Arsenal youngster has improved at his time with Portsmouth, and Cowley has no doubts whatsoever that the England U18 international will “go on to become a top player.”
He told the official Pompey website: “I believe this has been a fantastic stepping stone in Miguel’s journey – moving into a senior environment and playing League One football.
“I have absolutely no doubt that he’ll go on to become a top player and this will have been an important part of his development.
That footwork. That nutmeg. That finish.
Take a bow, @MiguelAzeez 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jf4CeLLlXN
— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) May 12, 2021
The Portsmouth boss continued, “He leaves here a better player and hopefully a better person. We’ve been impressed with his focus and commitment to improve.”
“There are some areas of his game that are beyond this level and other areas that he needs to keep working at, as with any young player.
Some Arsenal fans showed their delight clearly
Miguel Azeez returning from Portsmouth to come straight in and play like this man in his prime… pic.twitter.com/x4Cf62b27o
— The Gooner Talk (@TheGoonerTalkTv) January 13, 2022
“I’m as excited as everyone else to see how he progresses, and we wish him nothing but success moving forward.”
Whether the Gunners see him as a beneficial squad player or someone who needs more exposure outside the club is still in the dark.
One thing is for certain: Azeez provides an immediate upgrade on Charlie Patino because he is much further ahead in his development.
With Mikel Arteta having to work with bare bones until now in midfield, he would be pleased to see Azeez’s face in the training ground and we may even see him feature against Liverpool.
We need a signing in the middle else we end up handing the top 4 to spurs . If we get top 4 , it will not only a blow to spurs in terms of Championship league place , they will also end up losing two of their biggest asset . Kane and Conte and that will further widen the gap between us and them
Who knows, he could break into first team.. I remember us recalling Coquelin from somewhere in the middle of the season (where he didn’t play that well) and suddenly he broke into the first team.
Selling him was a mistake, a defensive beast imo and his football improved with time to be acceptable.
Azeez is quality…but again as long as Xhaka remains at the club we will never progress our midfield…end of story.
I think visiting the gym should be made mandatory to these kids (patino and azeez),they are to skinny to be a DM in the premier league.