Jeff Reine-Adelaide was today named in Arsenal’s first pre-season match agains Lens and made some impressive moves and decisions both on and off the ball for the duration of the game. It raises the question of whether Wenger will look to use Reine-Adelaide on a more consistent basis this season, or if whether the young Frenchman will remain in Arsenal’s youth ranks?
It became apparent on the first day of training for Arsenal that Reine-Adelaide had been promoted to first team duties for the upcoming season, suggesting that we would get to see more of the 18 year old, but how much will Wenger utilise the star to be?
Adelaide made quite an impression this time last year in the Emirates Cup, pulling off a stunning display in pre-season. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t feature too much for the Gunners in the first team, instead impressing in the reserves however this season could be his chance. Although Adelaide is still only 18, we have seen the likes of Fabregas, Wilshere, Bellerin and Iwobi all make their breakthroughs at Arsenal at a similar age, younger in some cases and all have gone on to be regulars at Arsenal during their respective careers. Adelaide could be the next to join the list but as a central attacking midfielder, I think he will likely play as third choice back up behind Mesut Ozil and Santiago Cazorla, mainly featuring in domestic cup competitions.
As well as those two Arsenal stars, Adelaide will also be fighting with the likes of Wilshere and Ramsey, who have both also featured in that role, whilst competition as a whole is extremely tight across the midfield this year. Hopefully such competitiveness for places, even during these pre-season games, will spur Adelaide on to show his worth and why he deserves to remain with the Arsenal first team rather than be sent out on loan or back to the Arsenal under 21’s.
In my opinion there are no doubts that Reine-Adelaide will become a star for Arsenal, he has all the attributes that are maximised in Arsenal’s style of play. But the question is, will we see more regular showings of the Frenchman this season, or will The Gunners have to wait a little longer?
By AH