Arsenal: Francis Coquelin The Model Loanee

Arsenal utilize the loan system like no one else, but it does not always work. If they all ended up like Francis Coquelin, the world would be a better place.

When it comes to growing copious amounts of youth talent, there is no foolproof way to succeed. Some guys go from their prospect stage straight into the first team and ask no questions along the way. Some spend some time with the reserves and bide their time until a first team opportunity opens up.

The rest go out on loan. No one loans quite like Arsenal. It’s a great way to get players first team experience while not having to do it at the mothership. That way you don’t risk your own form and the confidence of the youngster by testing him against opposition that could be out of his control.

Such opposition could include Manchester United under Alex Ferguson. It was then that Francis Coquelin was referred to as way out of his element. It was shortly after that Coquelin was sent out on loan.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

Coquelin always had a fantastic work ethic and superb determination. However, he was one of the many caught in the loan system. Nothing was guaranteed. There was no indication that he would come out any better than the next guy.

Upon his departure for his Charlton loan, there was still very little expected of the Frenchman. He was already in his early 20s, playing a position that Arsenal desperately needed, and he still was being sent out on loan to a lower tier side.

However, Coquelin has noted that it was these loans that made him who he is.

“It was a great learning experience, Arsenal is a great club – a massive club. But you are kind of in a comfort zone as it is such a big club, you have all the facility,” he said, as quoted by the Metro. “To go away, go abroad and see a different culture and different football helped me a lot and I came back stronger.”

Coquelin went on to add that when handed the opportunity, he “grabbed it with both hands.”