It was the first day back in pre-season training for the Arsenal squad yesterday, at least it was for most of them although there were a few notable absentees like Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech who have been give a bit more time off because of their international duties this summer.
But it still looks like the Gunners have a very strong squad for Arsene Wenger to choose from, as the pictures and report in the Daily Mail clearly show. Not only does the boss have no real injury problems to worry about, with Abou Diaby leaving the club and the likes of Wilshere, Walcott and Arteta all ready to go, but there are some new faces in the photos from London Colney.
We have the very exciting and promising midfield talents of Daniel Crowley and Gedion Zelalem, while Chuba Akpom and Yaya Sanogo will be desperate to make the step into the first team on a regular basis. This is all good for Arsenal, not just for the season coming up but for the next few years.
We saw how the recent competition for a place between players like Gibbs and Monreal have made both players better and that only looks like continuing through more and more positions on the pitch. So do you think that Arsenal now have enough strength and depth in our squad to push for the top?
I want to play some of young talents in the league cup like previous years.
I don’t think any will break through this season I’m afraid. They all still seem a bit too young. They may get the odd 10-20 minutes at the end of a game, maybe even a start or two if they’re really lucky, but I can’t see anyone breaking into the team like Bellerin did, taking a grip on their position and starting almost every game. Though I would’ve said that at the start of last season too, and I would’ve been wrong.
Team for community shield
Cech
Debuchy…koscielny..Mertsacker..Monreal
Coquelin….Ramsey
Oxlade..Cazorla…Ozil
Walcott
Bench: Szczesny, Gabriel, Bellerin, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Rosicky, Welbeck, Giroud
Steady on! We’ve got a handful of pre-season games to enjoy and see where the team’s at before we select our hypothetical community shield XI’s
Personnel wise, I think we’re sharp. If we could manage next season with a clean bill of health there’s no doubt in my mind that we’d win the league. But as hopeful as I am that the worst is behind them, Ramsey, Ox’s hamstrings, Theo’s ACL and Wilshere’s ankles are worrying… I feel dirty saying it and I’d seriously consider a pledge of celibacy for this coming season if it’d help, but still, the odds really aren’t in our favour for all those players remaining healthy over the entirety of next season 🙁
At the moment, personally I can only really see an ever so slight vacancy for potentially one or maybe two young attackers to have an impact role. Welbeck has more of a potential upside than people give him credit for.. But the harsh criticisms he’s received for his first season are valid in my eyes. Needs to step up his game, show more composure and confidence in his first-touch and finishing and actually convert more of the many chances he creates for himself. His pace and movement allows him to get into dangerous positions, but if he doesn’t finish or show the awareness to find his team-mates it’s really all for nothing.. If he doesn’t, personally I can see Akpom surpassing him in the coming seasons.
If I could give the spot on the bench to any of our youngsters it’d be Wellington Silva for me. Almeria struggled this season but watch his performances vs Atletico and Barcelona… You could really tell he wanted to make his mark against the Giants. Backed himself, constantly wanted the ball and was looking to make things happen, all while helping out a lot defensively. Carved a number of chances for both himself and others that were unlucky not to find the net. Could be an absolute weapon late in games against lower to mid-table defences when their legs are going.
Only a week though!! Need my Arsenal fix!! Can’t wait to see Bielik, Crowley, Zelalem, Akpom Gnabry and Silva in action. Will be brilliant!!
I am personally excited to see our young guns play this pre-season I hope the get sufficient time in the emirates cup. Think of all the talented youngsters we have zelalem, gnabry, Crowley, Akpom, Silva, and Hayden! I hope they can fulfill there potential!
Why is Sanogo included in our list of top young talents ?
Nah I rate he deserves the boot.
Arsenal needs to take a page out of the Chelsea book and start loaning out more of our players(esp. youth). Our best young talents make up the bulk of the squad that plays in the junior leagues U/18 & U/21 yet they continue to perform well below the level expected of a ”world class” youth development system.
Arsenal has lost its backbone as a winning club from top to bottom.
This is what arsenal has done for a while, we value our youth and prefer to nurture our talent instead of always having to buy an entire starting xl’ like the sugar daddy clubs do.
All these players have massive potential, even if only half fulfilled there full potential that would still be positive since those that did will be massive players for us.
And I think sanogo has big talent too he’s really raw still but you can tell he has ability and there’s pretty much no down side with him. He’s literally our 5th choice ST or he’ll go out on loan again where he will get actual minutes this time and you can judge him then.
and whats the problem with buying the 1st 11? all the top teams basically do so. if we have the money to spend then by all means we should buy the best players we can. This youth system nonsense has brought us what in the past decade? nothing but frustrations!