Often at Arsenal, despite what is happening on the pitch or with contracts or transfers, the League Cup often is an enjoyable side note. This is because it often allows fans to catch a first glimpse of the talent that has amassed in the youth teams and breathes hope that a new gem may emerge. This season, the Europa League has given more opportunities and offered more exposure for Arsenal’s young guns. There is no doubt that the current crop is impressive and there are some who may break through to the senior team.
Matt Macey
At 6ft 6”, Matt Macey is an imposing goalkeeper who has been around the Arsenal first team for some years now. At 23-years of age he has still some experience to gain but it is felt that his time may come soon, potentially as Arsenal’s reserve goalkeeper at first. This is argument was enhanced as, after loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Luton Town, he was kept with the squad this season and eventually made his debut in the League Cup in a 2-1 win against Norwich. He later impressed in a 0-0 draw in the Europa League when Arsenal faced Red Star Belgrade.
Eddie Nketiah
Eddie Nketiah is potentially one of the jewels in Arsenal’s youth team and he proved this on his debut against Norwich in the League Cup this season. The 18-year-old is full of pace, confidence and ability and he scored 15 seconds from coming on before netting another goal in extra time to win the game. He is an England U-19 regular and has proved he can find the net at this level scoring seven times in six appearances. The potential is clear, and he is another player who has benefited from the Europa League, making his debut against BATE Borisov in September.
Joe Willock
When they say it runs in the family they are not kidding with the Willocks. Joe has two brothers - Matty and Chris - and both of them are professionals. Matty Willock is on the books at Manchester United and currently is plying his trade in Holland with FC Utrecht. Chris is a forward with a very bright future and also was on Arsenal’s books before they foolishly let Benfica come in and sign him on a free transfer to tie him to a five-year deal. Joe, a talented midfielder has enjoyed both the League Cup and the Europa League this season and exhibited a good range of passing and a stylish and versatile approach to his position.
Reiss Nelson
A pacey, skilful and versatile midfielder, Nelson is looking at this season as the one he breaks through to be a permanent fixture in the first team. Again, he has benefited from Arsenal’s European campaign making his debut in the intimidating atmosphere created by the FC Koln fans. Impressing in the League Cup also, Nelson’s calm and measured approach shows maturity beyond his 18 years. He has been with the Arsenal academy since he was nine years old and was continually referred to as one of its brightest talents.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Ainsley Maitland-Niles is the most experienced of Arsenal’s youth team and has featured in the Premier League, the Champions League, the League Cup, FA Cup and also in all of Arsenal’s Europa League games so far this term. Equally talented whether deployed as a wing-back or a central midfielder, he is another example of what the Academy can produce having also been there since he was nine years of age. He is Arsenal’s second ever youngest debutant at 17-years and 102 days, just behind Jack Wilshere. Ainsley was also part of England’s U-20 successful World Cup winning team featuring in the final against Venezuela.
Ben Sheaf
Ben Sheaf is perhaps the dark horse of the group and yet has only played two minutes if first team football when he came off for Francis Coquelin in the 89th minute against Red Star Belgrade. At 19years of age he is now sitting on the edge of the first team and Arsene Wenger has had high praise for the boy who in his opinion is ‘always ahead of the game’. Signed from West Ham when he was 16 years old, he is believed to have an abundance of natural ability, but he made need polishing before he gets his chance.
