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Arsenal have signed a new crop of Under 15 1/2s. Introducing those players, with some inside info and more.
THREAD!
THREAD!
Francis Grimes
Goalkeeper, 6’7 and still growing, he’s considered a rare talent at Academy level. Good feet, big hands – his fingers were measured at 9 inches long! – but does need to work on distribution to take it to the next level.
Goalkeeper, 6’7 and still growing, he’s considered a rare talent at Academy level. Good feet, big hands – his fingers were measured at 9 inches long! – but does need to work on distribution to take it to the next level.
Steve Dallas-Murphy
Born in Islington to Irish parents, he has a choice to make about his international future. The LB position at Arsenal looks set to be Kieran Tierney’s for the next little while, but competition from this exciting kid will certainly keep him on his toes.
Born in Islington to Irish parents, he has a choice to make about his international future. The LB position at Arsenal looks set to be Kieran Tierney’s for the next little while, but competition from this exciting kid will certainly keep him on his toes.
Valery Ximelez
His Hungarian/Spanish parentage has fashioned a DM of some renown. His evolution through the youth ranks has been described by one Arsenal coach as ‘pro’. There were doubts because of his small size, but a recent growth spurt has seen him shoot-up to 5’11.
His Hungarian/Spanish parentage has fashioned a DM of some renown. His evolution through the youth ranks has been described by one Arsenal coach as ‘pro’. There were doubts because of his small size, but a recent growth spurt has seen him shoot-up to 5’11.
Omar Rice
3rd cousin of West Ham’s Declan Rice, he shares traits with the Hammers man. An elegant midfield presence, his passing range sets him apart from others in the squad. He knows when hold and give but do it at the right time, which is often a challenge for young players.
3rd cousin of West Ham’s Declan Rice, he shares traits with the Hammers man. An elegant midfield presence, his passing range sets him apart from others in the squad. He knows when hold and give but do it at the right time, which is often a challenge for young players.
Nige
A young Brazilian, recommended to the club by Technical Director Edu. He’s a fast winger with tricky feet and an uncanny ability to beat a man. If he can simplify his game, produce consistency with his final ball and get much better in general, he’s got a real chance.
A young Brazilian, recommended to the club by Technical Director Edu. He’s a fast winger with tricky feet and an uncanny ability to beat a man. If he can simplify his game, produce consistency with his final ball and get much better in general, he’s got a real chance.
Gaston LaFonte
A French U17 international, this centre-half came to the Gunners via Le Havre. Literally. He got the ferry from there for a trial game in which he impressed. ‘Could be as good as Varane, Koscielny, or Bruno Cheyrou’ said one insider.
A French U17 international, this centre-half came to the Gunners via Le Havre. Literally. He got the ferry from there for a trial game in which he impressed. ‘Could be as good as Varane, Koscielny, or Bruno Cheyrou’ said one insider.
Derek Smith
A local lad, Arsenal has always been in his blood. A combative central midfielder who can also play in wide positions, he cites Ray Parlour as his inspiration. Needs to be careful with discipline though, as Jaeger-bombs before training are now frowned upon.
A local lad, Arsenal has always been in his blood. A combative central midfielder who can also play in wide positions, he cites Ray Parlour as his inspiration. Needs to be careful with discipline though, as Jaeger-bombs before training are now frowned upon.
Daniel van de Donk
The twin brother of Arsenal Women star, Danielle, although there are 12 years between them. Plays with the same intensity, loves a sliding tackle, popular in the squad and nicknamed ‘The Feisty Aardvark’.
The twin brother of Arsenal Women star, Danielle, although there are 12 years between them. Plays with the same intensity, loves a sliding tackle, popular in the squad and nicknamed ‘The Feisty Aardvark’.
Eddie Lunbert
A Swedish attacking midfielder who thrives when given space and time behind the forward line. His incisive passing makes him the most creative player in this current crop, while his enormous left testicle helps his ability to swerve beyond bamboozled defenders.
A Swedish attacking midfielder who thrives when given space and time behind the forward line. His incisive passing makes him the most creative player in this current crop, while his enormous left testicle helps his ability to swerve beyond bamboozled defenders.
Wilf Spunke
Previously with the Bayern Munich Academy, the Bavarian inside-right has been likened to Thomas Müller, except ‘not as much of a twat’. Left-handed but right-footed. Prematurely grey.
Previously with the Bayern Munich Academy, the Bavarian inside-right has been likened to Thomas Müller, except ‘not as much of a twat’. Left-handed but right-footed. Prematurely grey.
Charles Hefton-Clementine-Roderick-Bastible-Arkwright-Davenport-Langhammer-Paxton-Hale
Goes by ‘Chuck’.
Goes by ‘Chuck’.
Nicholas Page
Spent time with the Brighton youth set-up before joining Arsenal. A lively striker who knows where the goal is, but his over the top theatrics when fouled are a cause for concern.
Spent time with the Brighton youth set-up before joining Arsenal. A lively striker who knows where the goal is, but his over the top theatrics when fouled are a cause for concern.
Dingle McCringleberry
This County Kerry born son of a famous NFL player has the physique of a linebacker, but the deft ball control of an elf who has grown up in La Masia. A phenomenal goalscorer at every level he’s played at. Big things are expected of him.
This County Kerry born son of a famous NFL player has the physique of a linebacker, but the deft ball control of an elf who has grown up in La Masia. A phenomenal goalscorer at every level he’s played at. Big things are expected of him.
Crofton Palmer-Bandicoot
A versatile defender who can play left back or right back, and centre-half. Has a tendency to crash into tackles, but is comfortable on the ball, dominant in the air, and has already been called up to his native Wumpa Islands U21 squad.
A versatile defender who can play left back or right back, and centre-half. Has a tendency to crash into tackles, but is comfortable on the ball, dominant in the air, and has already been called up to his native Wumpa Islands U21 squad.
Daykil D’Jefrey Epsteen
A crafty attacker, able to get into and out of incredibly tight spaces without the opposition even seeing him. Can get past the stiffest defensive guard action, and is unquestionably a lethal finisher. Represented by super agent Maxwell Negst.
A crafty attacker, able to get into and out of incredibly tight spaces without the opposition even seeing him. Can get past the stiffest defensive guard action, and is unquestionably a lethal finisher. Represented by super agent Maxwell Negst.
