Not All Doom And Gloom

Our season summed up in a picture 


Despite the larger perception from outsiders and rival fans (trollers too) that it's been a torrid season for arsenal there has been some notable positives.Most notably our young guns . Here I look at some of the best performing young players so far.

1.BUKAYO SAKA #77 

At just 18 yrs Bukayo Saka has arguably been the shining light of a largely dull season.The 18 year old was over the years regarded as a talent for the future but no one could imagine the impact he would have on our season.

According to www.transfermarket.com Saka is valued at 20 million pounds .His impressive form has seen him notch  3goals and 11assists  in 30 appearances for arsenal this season.Saka's main strength is his crossing ability coupled up with a lethal left foot.His upturn in form coincided with Mikel arteta's appointment as arsenal manager and despite playing in an unfamiliar Left back position Saka proved his worth. With Kieran Tierney's return Saka has been used as a winger and Left sided midfielder . What arsenal fans will hope is that he commits his long-term future to the club with his contract expiring in the summer of 2021. But there's no doubt that Saka's future is very bright.

2.Gabriel Martinelli #35

Edu Gaspar  marked his appointment as Arsenal's technical director by signing then 18 yr old Martinelli from little known Ituano.I bet that he himself couldn't imagine what heights his Debut signing would reach in his maiden season.

The 19yr old has made 26 appearances this season contributing 11 goals and 3 assists which is no mean feat for a teenager.In a Carabao Cup encounter with arsenal in December Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp labelled Martinelli as ' a  talent of the Century'. High praise coming from such a decorated coach. Martinelli has featured as a left winger and also through the middle but no matter where he has played his timing in the box has been excellent. His trickery is also  there to be seen when playing from the left. Latest news indicate that he suffered a knee Ligament damage and is likely out for the rest of the season.Despitenot featuring much in 2020 Martinelli has endeared himself to the fans in his maiden season and we all can't wait for what the future holds for this young talent.(currently valued at 25£m by www.transfermarket.com )

3.Eddie Nketiah # 30 

Eddie has been around for a while despite being just 21yrs of age . Despite a dull loan spell at leeds where he scored 3 goals in 27 appearances Eddie has been a usual starter under arteta.

Eddie's finishing is his main attribute but he lacks in link up play something Arteta will want him to work on.Under Arteta he has managed 5 goals in 11 appearances and will no doubt have a big part to play considering AlexLacazete's dip in form.Nketiah is valued at 11£m by www.transfermarket.com. Hoping to see more of his goal celebration.


4.Matteo Guendouzi
No arsenal youngster divides opinion more than Guendouzi.His Debut year saw him win the fans over with his imposing demeanor that is  reminiscent of previous arsenal Characters such as Patrick Vieira. This same attitude seems to also be his Achilles heel as was seen on Saturday against Brighton he looses his cool quite often .

Some sections of fans have already had enough and would happily cash in on him in the summer while others believe he is the type of character we need at the club.Arteta seems to be in the former. With reports that Real Madrid,Leicester & Barcelona are monitoring his situation the next few months could prove to be crucial for him. It is also worthy to note that he is the most valuable young player at the club with www.transfermarket.com  valuing him at 40£m.


The featured players stood out for me but there are others worth a big mention.Reiss Nelson,Trae Coyle  ,Joe willock have all shown good growth this season and will no doubt have a part to play in The next chapter of this great club. 

Despite being young they have the mentality and attitude (as portrayed by Guendouzi) to make it in the big league.

It is said that during turbulent times is when one portrays ones True character and the same applies to these starlets.When the club is in its worst  run if form these young players have stepped up and given hope to the fans that despite the tough times the future is bright......NOT ALL DOOM AND GLOOM 

****

Arsenal vs Southampton will be an intriguing game and it would be nice to see how we cope with SOTTN's pressing. Not overly confident but we should win......

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