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*THREAD*
/ James Olayinka /
No. 2 in a series of short threads analysing in words Arsenal’s most promising young prospects.
Give it a like and a RT if you enjoy and would like to see more
.
/ James Olayinka /
No. 2 in a series of short threads analysing in words Arsenal’s most promising young prospects.
Give it a like and a RT if you enjoy and would like to see more
.
This thread will examine:
• The role James currently plays for Arsenal U18, U23s, and Northampton..
• ..some of James’ key strengths and some areas for improvement..
• ..and his possible path to the first team; the chances of this, and over what timescale this might occur.
• The role James currently plays for Arsenal U18, U23s, and Northampton..
• ..some of James’ key strengths and some areas for improvement..
• ..and his possible path to the first team; the chances of this, and over what timescale this might occur.
Enthusiastic 19 year-old midfielder Olayinka has been a longstanding part of the Arsenal youth set up from the age of 6.
Appearing for both the U18s and U23s side, James has played 51 games and over 3500 minutes of competitive domestic youth-football, with 13 G/A in this period.
Appearing for both the U18s and U23s side, James has played 51 games and over 3500 minutes of competitive domestic youth-football, with 13 G/A in this period.
Given a loan to Northampton in January of this year, Olayinka featured once in League 2 (cut short by the Covid-19 Pandemic) and in all 3 games of Northampton’s successful play-off campaign.
Though Olayinka describes himself as a box-to-box midfielder, the hard-working teenager has also featured as a full-back and out wide on the right flank.
Hale End continues to produce talents that excel in versatility, forced to be comfortable in 2 or 3 distinct positions.
Hale End continues to produce talents that excel in versatility, forced to be comfortable in 2 or 3 distinct positions.
Given his athleticism, temperament and willingness to press, Olayinka can be used in a pivot with a more ‘laid-back’ partner without worry.
At Northampton, Olayinka has been seen on either side of a midfield trio’s base, providing further evidence of his inherent versatility.
At Northampton, Olayinka has been seen on either side of a midfield trio’s base, providing further evidence of his inherent versatility.
Complimented by coaches throughout his youth career, Olayinka’s pressing ability invariably creates chance’s to increase momentum for his team and push them into the opposition’s half.
This tenacity and never-say-die attitude creates a multitude of opportunities to intercept up and down the pitch, which again has the effect of switching momentum and catching the opposition out.
When presented with space in front of him, Olayinka is unafraid of driving at the opposition, often causing them to panic and back-pedal.
When faced with pressure himself, Olayinka has shown the spatial awareness to spot a forward passing outlet, alleviating the opposition’s press and providing an opportunity for his attackers.
One big improvement in Olayinka’s game has been his range of passing - here, a sweeping pass from Olayinka out to the right flank leads to Vadaine Oliver’s headed goal.
And, as most Hale End graduates have shown, Olayinka is capable of a fierce shot, evidenced by this goal against the Colorado Rapids in pre-season. Characteristically, this goal comes after a well-timed interception.
What’s in store for Olayinka’s future?
His loan at Northampton was reduced severely in effectiveness by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, making only 4 appearances in all competitions - so, I would expect Olayinka to again be loaned out, potentially to League 1 or above.
His loan at Northampton was reduced severely in effectiveness by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, making only 4 appearances in all competitions - so, I would expect Olayinka to again be loaned out, potentially to League 1 or above.
However, it would not surprise me if Olayinka is given the first half of the season to pick up occasional minutes for the first team, especially in pre-season and the League Cup.
Given the clubs failure thus far to successfully replace Aaron Ramsey, Olayinka should aim to impress and show even more development in the next couple of seasons, to earn that introduction into the first team.
Watch this space.
Watch this space.
Give this a like and a retweet if you enjoyed!
And give me a follow for more Arsenal related commentary (and hatred).
And give me a follow for more Arsenal related commentary (and hatred).
Many thanks as always to these guys for the video footage:
• OfficiallyNTFC https://www.youtube.com/c/officiallyntfc
• ARSXF https://www.youtube.com/c/ARSXF
• OfficiallyNTFC https://www.youtube.com/c/officiallyntfc
• ARSXF https://www.youtube.com/c/ARSXF
And go check out my last thread on Miguel Azeez if you haven’t already! https://twitter.com/arsenal_lloyd/status/1281234914206154758
