So, tomorrow night sees our reserves kick off their U-21 campaign. We start with a home game vs Fulham.
Last season ended with the disappointment of just missing out on promotion, so once again we are in the second tier.
Quite a lot of change at U-21 level for this season, with quite a few of the key players going out on loan, plus the usual releasing of a number of players over the summer.
It will be a big season for a lot of players.
Gedion ZELALEM - Long touted as the new Cesc, Zelalem's progress has been somewhat slower than the Spaniards rise to the first team. But with Dan Crowley leaving on loan, a lot of creativity will be down to Zelalem. This season, one would think, is the season Zelalem needs to really start imposing himself on games and forcing him into Mr Wengers mind.
Jeff Reine-ADELAIDE - The star of pre-season, a lot of attention will be on Adelaide this season. He was close to the first team with Lens, and already looks likely to be involved in our League Cup team. I guess the key to his season will be keeping him from thinking he is too good for this level.
Alex IWOBI - One of the few bright sparks from last season, his conversion to a striker proved a hit. Interesting to see if he will take over Chuba Akpom for the whole season, or play in the wide positions. Another who is expected to be on the fringes of the first team this season, which may limit his time with the reserves.
Julio PLEGUEZUELO - While one former Barca team-mate Hector Bellerin progressed to the first team, and another had a relatively successful loan spell, Pleguezuelo suffered an injury hit 2014-15. Rated as the best CB at youth level at Arsenal, he will need to have a full season in order to develop anywhere close to where he should be. May be used in a full back role as well as CB in order to help his progression.
Krystian BIELIK - Struggled to settle after his January move, a lot more is expected this season for the Pole. Used as both a CB and in midfield last season, he will look to establish himself as the defensive midfielder this season, with an eye on the League Cup squad.
Christopher WILLOCK - Progressing nicely, this is the season he is expected to break into the reserve side on a regular basis. Still only 17, he won himself a place on the Asia tour with the seniors.
Kaylen HINDS and Stephy MAVIDIDI - Two youngsters with good scoring records at under 18 level. Both will be looking to take over from Chuba Akpom this season, with Iwobi possibly being pre-occupied with first team duty or playing wide.
They will face competition from another young Frenchman brought to the club in the summer, Yassin FORTUNE. Fortune is expected to start with the U-18s, but his pre-season form indicates he will be close to stepping up to the reserves sooner rather than later.
Ben SHEAF is another who will look to step up from the U-18s on a more permanent basis this season. Good passer, box to box style player, would fit well with Bielik and Zelalem in a midfield 3.
As it stands, our reserve keeper is also our senior squad number 3 (although alot of rumours concerning journeymen keepers signing.) Matt MACEY is expected to start as #1, although a disappointing loan spell last season seems to have knocked his confidence somewhat.
Ryan HUDDART is still only 17, 3 years younger than Macey, but highly thought of at the club. He could be the long term better prospect, already getting himself on the subs bench for the senior squad in the CL. Dean ILLIEV is the third man in the equation, having earned himself a new contract last season.
Defence remains the key weakness. Tafari MOORE missed most of last season, so will want to refind his form quickly. Stefan O'CONNOR made his first team CL debut last season, so will look to build on that. Less experienced players at this level will be looking to take advantage of Brandon Ottewill and George Dobson leaving the club, with Chiori JOHNSON, Kristopher da GRACA and Ilias CHATZITHEODORIDIS all hoping to step up.
We have a strong looking reserve squad for this season, and a lot of new additions to the Under 18s should mean for a better season all round for the youths.
Lets hope we turned the corner, and hopefully we will see a few more of our youngsters put in consistently good performances this season.
Arsenal U-21 2015/16 season preview.
posted on 13/8/15
Very surprised he got a new contract last season. Always thought Vickers looked better of the 3 (Macey/Iliev/Vickers). Think I read Vickers has signed for Swansea now.
posted on 13/8/15
Looks like the Swansea move may have been swayed by the Arsenal influence. I get the attraction of meeting up with old friends, but a 20-year old keeper should not be signing up to be 3rd choice.
The position barely rotates and one bad game could wreck a season. He'd have been better off as a starter in the Championship
posted on 13/8/15
You missed out Amaury Bischoff
posted on 13/8/15
Good article, DJ
Are we focusing less on developing players through the U21s and trying to utilise the loan system more?
Seems more and more our best prospects are getting loaned out, or has it always been that way and I've just never noticed?
posted on 13/8/15
There is no justification in keeping both Zelalem and Bielik in the reserve squad for another season. They are clearly ahead of the curve, and the lack of incentive will result in yet another wasted season for them.
I can only guess that Wenger expects massive shortages in the senior squad.
posted on 13/8/15
Chris, it is an increase in season long loans to higher standard clubs. I think it is more an indication of the quality, we had a couple of years gap of players at a standard where they would be good enough for such loans.
Gillespie, in terms of Bielik I think it is better to keep him, to allow him to settle in the country and develop with us.
As for Zelalem, I don't think he is at a standard where he would get meaningful game time at a club of a decent level (in England at least). He needs to develop physically as well as come out of his shell a fair bit. He should be a leader of the reserves, maybe not vocally but leading by example.
posted on 13/8/15
And of course it is possible to loan them out later. Both may get a League Cup run out if their form is good.
posted on 14/8/15
Team tonight
@jeorgebird: Arsenal u21: Macey; Moore, Bielik, Pleguezuelo, M. Bola; Kamara, Zelalem; Sheaf, Reine-Adelaide, Iwobi; Mavididi.
Bielik at CB is interesting. Mavididi wins the fight to start up front.
No Willock, Hinds, Fortune in the squad, could feature for u18s tomorrow.
posted on 14/8/15
Oops, Fortune is on bench.
posted on 14/8/15
Still early doors. O'Connor and Willock have the quality to fight their way into the squad eventually. Really interested to see how Iwobi, Adelaide and Sheaf works out.
Strange that the senior squad has played a flat 4-1-4-1 for a year now, while the youth squads still use a 4-2-3-1. The two formations are poles apart when attacking or defending.