Arsenal visit Reading tomorrow night in the League Cup. Will one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from the Gunners’ academy in recent years be given the opportunity to shine?
The League Cup has taken on a reputation over the past 20 years of being a competition in which the top teams blood their talented young players. Paul Scholes and Cesc Fabregas are among those to be given opportunities.
The latest ‘superkid’ who could get his big chance? Serge Gnabry.
If you have not heard of Gnabry yet, it is only a matter of time. He is a fast paced youngster who appropriately is being ‘fast tracked’ into the Arsenal set up.
He came on against Coventry City in the last round, and impressed supporters with his directness and exciting play in his short cameo. Just 17, the German has been singled out by Arsene Wenger as a future star.
The very fact he is being involved with the first team at such a tender age speaks volumes of his potential; he is so good right now that Wenger feels he simply cannot hold him back much longer.
With uncertainty over Theo Walcott’s future too, it makes sense to phase in a young player who could potentially replace the winger, ‘give youth a chance’ is after all one of the lasting philosophies Wenger will leave when he one day departs the Gunners.
Gnabry was brought on in Arsenal’s defeat to Schalke last week, and made an impact in his short time on the pitch, registering the club’s only shot on goal in the entire match.
Like Raheem Sterling at Liverpool, his young age means he holds no fear, and tomorrow night against Reading is the perfect chance to hand him his first senior start for the club.
Wenger has already stated Wilshere won’t be involved after his performance at the weekend, and fringe players Coquelin and Frimpong are likely to be selected, along with Arshavin and potentially even Thomas Eisfeld.
But it is the possible selection of Gnabry which will intrigue Arsenal fans. The trip to Reading will hold no fear for him. Only earlier this month, the German scored in a 2-0 win for the Gunners’ under-21 side against the Royals.
Now is the chance to allow him to show what he can do from the start, and let him stake more of a claim for regular involvement in Premier League and Champions League match day squads.
Should Arsenal start Gnabry tomorrow night? What do you think?
image: © wonker
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