Arsenal youngster Rob Holding is a more accomplished player right now than Tottenham’s Juan Foyth.
Tottenham Hotspur started Juan Foyth in the North London derby and it was a decision which backfired.
The young defender is a talent, but he is no Toby Alderweireld, and dropping the Belgian was a big mistake.
On the opposing team, Arsenal’s young defender Rob Holding stood tall at the final whistle.
While Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has become a bit desperate to push Foyth as a first team starter in recent weeks, Holding is there for Arsenal on merit.
Like Foyth, he had a slow start at first upon making the switch to North London, and it must be noted he has had an extra year at his club.
So far it shows, with Holding looking more experienced, more accomplished, and simply better.
A £2 million signing from Bolton in 2016, Holding demonstrated his quality in the FA Cup final against Chelsea at the end of the same season.
Progress was slow under Arsene Wenger last year. This season his game has gone to a new level.
He was excellent against Liverpool last month, and he helped shut down Harry Kane on Sunday in Arsenal’s win over Tottenham, with the England striker only getting a look in from the penalty spot.
Foyth is a young defender with a bright future – Arsenal’s Holding is showing he is ready now, and the 23-year-old is deserving of an England call.
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