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Ainsley Matiland-Niles the Latest Arsenal Prospect to do Something Crazy
By Josh Sippie
International break used to be a time that Arsenal fans would cross their fingers and hope that everyone comes out of it unscathed. It did not matter if they made any significant contribution to their national side. All that mattered was staying healthy. Things are a bit more settled now that Arsenal have seemingly tackled their injury problems head on (for the most part).
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Another added benefit to international break is getting to see some of Arsenal’s younger prospects perform at their various youth level international squads.
Arsenal has a healthy academy and a lot of that young talent is showcasing on loan already. Gedion Zelalem has been looking absolutely brilliant for Scottish side Rangers. Chuba Akpom and Isaac Hayden are utilizing the buddy system at Hull City, with Akpom specifically drawing a lot of praise from his manager Steve Bruce. Jon Toral too, has been scoring goals from the midfield at Birmingham.
Even future Jack Wilshere (but healthier) Daniel Crowley notched a crucial goal for his loan side Barnsley. All is well for future Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger has made the youth development system at Arsenal a priority. He invests so much time and money into the academy so as to preserve the future integrity of the club. As of right now, it is looking incredibly promising and incredibly exciting.
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In the preseason, we saw Alex Iwobi and Jeff Reine-Adelaide putting on a show for the senior squad members. They have made such a strong case that Arsene Wenger figures to give them some time with the Arsenal first team. Both were included in the UEFA Champion’s League roster with Reine-Adelaide even making the A-list.
The latest of the prospect bunch to do something crazy is Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Lining up for the England U19 squad against Germany over the weekend, Maitland-Niles found himself in possession of the ball and decided to have a little fun. Take a look (video from the Metro):
(Skip ahead in the highlights to 2:40)
They say to never judge an 18 year old by one goal, but we might want to make an exception here.
Maitland-Niles is on loan at Ipswich Town and his manager Mick McCarthy said there is ‘no doubt’ that the young English winger will make a career for himself at Arsenal.
The promise of the youth squad may not be a big enough band-aid to cover the wound that our senior team has left us with. However, as is the case with band-aids, it has to at least make us feel a little bit better.
Next: Alexis Sanchez vs Eden Hazard