Arsenal seem to be sure of completing a deal for Rob Holding of Bolton Wanderers. The 20-year-old centre-back is reportedly set to sign for the Gunners for a fee of £2 million and that could be a steal considering how expensive players are in the English system.
Holding started his career at Bolton at the age of seven and has been part of the side since. The 20-year-old was part of a Bury side on loan in 2015 but returned to Bolton but he could not save the side from relegation, despite being named as the player of the season for the now third tier side.
The Englishman is a U21 international and played his first game for Gareth Southgate’s side in May 2016 against Guinea. He has even played as a right-back for Bolton but he is someone who is most comfortable in the heart of the defence and that is exactly where Arsenal could use him over the years.
A bright spark for the future
Holding is one of those players who has a wide head on young shoulders, his greatest asset could be the fact that he is someone who can direct and talk to the other defenders. Another great asset for the young defender is his pace. He might not be the fastest player in the Championship or League One but he is not a slouch and more often than not, he can keep up with the faster players in these leagues.
A defender would not be a defender if he did not know how to stop the opposition and Holding is one of the better headers of the balls in the Bolton team and is good at tackling as well. As stated, he is a smart player and knows when to go in for a tackle and when not to. The 20-year-old is also great with his passing and doesn’t lose possession too many times, he knows what to do with the ball and you will not find him in any trouble with the ball at his feet.
If there is any issue with the young defender it is the fact that he still has to get better. Playing in the lower league is one thing but moving up a notch and playing in the Premier League is a whole new ball game.
We have seen many players try to adjust to the Premier League and fail, thus Holding might actually be bought and put out on loan as soon as possible with another Premier League side. The English man does have a great future ahead of him but only if he can continue playing the way he has so far and under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger, he should get better.