The Arsenal U21s suffered a 1-0 defeat to Sparta Prague in the Premier League International Cup yesterday, but it was an evening to remember for four of our talented teenagers.
Mehmet Ali had to make a number of changes to his side as plenty of our regulars were unavailable. The likes of Reuell Walters, Taylor Foran, Lino Sousa, Catalin Cirjan and Ethan Nwaneri were all absent, and according to Jeorge Bird, they are likely to be involved with the first team this week.
The performance from our U21s wasn’t a great one, but Mathaeus Roberts, Osman Kamara, Seb Ferdinand and Ismail Oulad M’Hand were all given opportunities in the second half for the first time ever.
Four exciting Arsenal teenagers made their U21s debut last night
Mathaeus Roberts:
Roberts turned 18 yesterday and what a way to celebrate his birthday!
The teenager had only ever played 21 times for the U18s – five of those appearances came this season. He’s definitely one to keep an eye on, and we’re sure we’ll see more of him with the U21s.
Roberts, a Wales U18s international, is hugely versatile. He’s an attacking midfielder by trade, but he has played for Arsenal as a centre-forward and also as a central midfielder. That makes him a very useful player to have in the squad.
Osman Kamara:
Kamara is still only 16 years old. To make your U21s debut at such a young age is a phenomenal achievement, and there’s a lot more to come from him.
The youngster has made just six appearances for the U18s. He even scored on his debut against West Brom back in September, and he has all the characteristics to become a top player in the coming years.
A fun fact about Kamara is that his dad is a Manchester United fan who tried ever so hard to get him to support the Red Devils as well. However, he says he has always been a Gooner, just like his mum and sisters. (Arsenal.com)
Ismail Oulad M’Hand:
Ismail, the younger brother of Arsenal wonderkid Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand, is also a midfielder by trade.
Still only 17, Oulad M’Hand has a bright future ahead of him, and his call-up to the U21s squad for the game against Sparta Prague yesterday shows how much Arsenal believe in him.
Ismail’s brother Salah-Eddine is currently on loan at Hull City, who have an option to buy him next summer. It will be interesting to see the impact that will have on the younger Oulad M’Hand in the coming years.
Seb Ferdinand:
Another 16-year-old, Ferdinand is a hugely exciting talent.
The youngster, who is naturally a right-winger, has started every one of Arsenal U18s’ games in the Premier League this season. He has three goals and an assist to his name, and it’s only a matter of time before he’s seriously considered to become a regular with the U21s.
Ferdinand revealed last month that he really looks up to Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Jesus. (Arsenal.com)
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