Another Englishman on loan from Arsenal who was an integral part of the 2009 FA Youth Cup winning team is dynamic midfielder Henri Lansbury. Lansbury is one of a number of ex-youth team players who have been loaned out to Championship sides in search of vital experience. Lansbury has gone on loan to Watford and Scunthorpe previously, putting in impressive performances and scoring crucial goals, and is now on loan at Norwich where he has scored 3 goals in his 8 starts. Whilst the position that Lansbury wishes to make his own at Arsenal (central midfield) is stacked with talent like Fabregas and Wilshere, it’s not hard to see him becoming a squad fixture at the London club – he scored in his full debut at White Hart Lane and has been compared by Wenger to Arsenal legend Ray Parlour.
With Arsene Wenger’s history in Japan it was no surprise that he took a special interest in Ryo Miyaichi. Miyaichi is an exciting Japanese winger who is on loan from Arsenal at Dutch club Feyenoord. Ryo had an offer from Ajax in the summer in addition to an offer from Arsenal, yet it was Wenger’s persistence that lead to the capture of this special talent. The impact that Miyaichi has made at Feyenoord in such a short time has been nothing short of remarkable, scoring on his second start and being nicknamed ‘Ryodinho’ by the adoring fans. This loan spell is needed for Miyaichi to obtain his permit to play for Arsenal, and with the disappointing form of Rosicky and Arshavin’s fitness concerns it would be no surprise to see Miyaichi playing for Arsenal in a few short years.
Finally, we look at imposing striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. The 20 year old talent has spent time on loan at Doncaster Rovers, where he scored an impressive 5 goals in 14 starts. He has also spent time on loan at Blackpool, and recently went out on loan to Cardiff City where he has looked promising and has got off the mark with a well taken goal. With Bendtner making noises about a lack of playing time in the Arsenal first team it could be a matter of time before a spot opens up for Emmanuel-Thomas in the Arsenal first team. He will be aided by the view of his manager Wenger who cites his versatility by saying that ‘he can play anywhere.’
Loaning players has become an incredibly popular method for clubs to allow their younger players to gain valuable experience. With Wilshere’s meteoric rise following his loan, and a similar story with young goalkeeper Szczesny ascending the ranks it seems only a matter of time before the latest batch of Arsenal youngsters make the grade.
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Excellent informative piece. I’m excited about young Ryo.
But what about Carlos Vela, Afobe and Watt?
Thanks Barry. I think Vela is a very good player, just I doubt that he has the fight and drive to become a truly great player.
Benik Afobe is a very promising young player, and is playing well at Huddersfield, but I think it is a little too early to talk about him coming into the first team. Maybe in a years time or two he will start ‘knocking on the door’.
Sanchez Watt played a large part in Arsenal’s FAYC success in 2009 and is rated highly by Wenger. He looked good for Leeds at the Emirates, and has lots of talent, but I think he is just short of being an Arsenal player.
You’re on to something Barry. Benik Afobe is ripe for success.