Arsenal: Decisions Must Be Made Over Rob Holding’s Future

Young English defender Rob Holding has made a promising start to life at Arsenal. But with first team chances limited, should he be sent out on loan?

I, for one, was quite surprised to see Rob Holding on the bench for Arsenal against Preston North End at the weekend. While I am glad Wenger played a strong side in the FA Cup (as it shows we still have great respect for the competition). I feel like it would have been the perfect opportunity to give young Holding some game time.

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Rob Holding was signed from Bolton over the summer for a modest fee of around 2m pounds. There was very little hype around the Englishman due to his minimal price tag. Yet his potential was to be seen straight away.

Holding was selected to join the Pre-Season tour of the USA and Scandinavia last summer. He excelled on debut and put in a string of fine performances for the rest of the preparation games. This form, (coupled with a centre back crisis) earnt Holding a place in the starting XI against Liverpool on the opening day.

The dismantling of Arsenal’s defence that day didn’t look good on Holding’s track record. But he still looked relatively assured especially considering the calamitous defending around him. The next game against Leicester was to be crucial. Not only did Holding start alongside Koscielny. He contributed to compatriot Calum Chambers being sent out on loan to Middlesbrough.

The Englishman’s performance that day opened the eyes of many. It seemed that Arsenal had unearthed a gem for a cut price fee. Appearances in the next few months have been sporadic for Holding. But he has managed to impress with the few opportunities given to him (his performances in the League Cup being especially noteworthy).

With Gabriel and Mertesacker providing able back-up to Kostafi. Would it be a good time to send Holding out on loan? Let’s assess the question at hand.

On the one hand, a loan would give Rob vital first team experience. Playing regular football at such a young age can have a huge impact on Holding’s career. You only have to look at the development of Calum Chambers and Jack Wilshere as evidence of the successful loan system.

Not starting Holding in the third round against PNE suggests to me that Wenger won’t be playing him very often this second season half. A loan away could be a crucial part of Rob’s development.

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Despite this, there are also some definite pros to keeping Holding put at the club. While he may not rack up many first team minutes. The experience of continually training with top class centre backs like Koscielny and Mustafi will only aid Holding’s learning process. Returning World Cup winner and club captain Per Mertesacker’s influence could also be of huge benefit to Holding.

In addition, getting to know the Arsenal style of play and philosophies around the club is essential to Holding’s long term future. Loans can always be sought down the line (like with Chambers). But that bedding in period at a club is crucial for a youngster that we hope will lead our back line in future.

It is a difficult situation but I am one to lean towards having Holding stay at the club rather than letting him go out on loan. However, there are certainly arguments to be made to suggest he would be better suited to a period away from the club.

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One thing is for sure. Arsenal look to have one of the brightest young defenders in English football in Rob Holding. Ensuring his development runs smoothly should be a top priority for the club.