Two Arsenal Youngsters who could enjoy their breakthrough season under Emery

The Arsenal academy is one of the most renowned youth academies in the world and there have been numerous talents who have climbed up the ranks to play for the senior team. The Gunners have always been known for their ability to nurture young talents and ultimately make them a part of their playing eleven.

Arsenal have not made the best of starts to the season after consecutive defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea, and a win over West Ham. The defeats have not only derailed their campaign but have also exposed quite a few flaws in various areas of the pitch.

New manager Unai Emery should be looking to rotate his players and give some of the youngsters in the squad a chance in the coming games to improve the results.

Here are two youngsters who could make their breakthrough this season.

Rob Holding

A product of Bolton Wanderers’ youth system, Rob Holding joined Arsenal in the summer of 2016 and made his debut in the same season. The 22-year-old has made a total of 21 appearances for the Gunners over the course of two seasons.

Former manager Arsene Wenger used him sporadically in the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League games, mostly to act as a cover for injuries and suspensions.

Rob Holding has the ability to play as a ball-playing centre-half and is quite quick. The youngster is quite composed with his tackling and boasts of good aerial ability as well. He is likely to suit Emery’s style of play.

With Shkodran Mustafi looking out of sorts, Emery can consider Rob Holding as a solution to Arsenal’s defensive woes. He has a lot of experience, having played for Bolton in the Championship and it should be the perfect time for Unai Emery to utilise the massive potential of this youngster, particularly with Laurent Koscielny out injured.

Eddie Nketiah

Prolific goalscorers at such a young age are difficult to find and that is exactly what makes the emergence of Eddie Nketiah onto the scene an exciting proposition.

After being released by the Chelsea academy at the age of 14, Nketiah joined the Arsenal academy and rose up the ranks with some impressive performances for the U18 and U23 teams before being called up by Arsene Wenger last season to join the senior team.

He made only 3 appearances in the league last season but the highlight of his career so far came in the League Cup game against Norwich City when he came on as a substitute in the 85th minute and scored a brace to win the game for Arsenal.

Nketiah can be termed as a ‘fox in the box’ and he has a supreme finishing ability. He has an excellent eye for goal especially from inside the box. He is extremely quick and also excels in dribbling. The youngster has amazing composure for his age and has the versatility to operate on the wings.

Although Arsenal have plenty of options in the attacking third, the manager should not overlook someone of Eddie Nketiah’s calibre. He has all the makings of a future star.