Arsenal: 8 young talents to look out for vs AFC Wimbledon

Last season was a development year for Arsenal Football Club. We saw emerging stars like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe grow into integral parts of Mikel Arteta’s side, ending up as the undoubted positive aspect from a forgettable campaign.

This time around the focus is entirely on finishing as high up the Premier League table as possible. Europa League football is the minimum, but also the most this club can realistically be aiming for.

Boasting historic success in the FA Cup, the EFL Cup (Carabao Cup, League Cup, whatever) hasn’t been the happiest hunting ground domestically. Lifting the trophy twice, most recently in 1993, this time around there still remains less emphasis on how Arsenal will fare in the competition.

It isn’t a priority.

https://twitter.com/AFCProgramme/status/1439895979596079105

8 exciting young Arsenal stars from the academy and the first team to look out for in the EFL Cup third round clash against AFC Wimbledon

What it is, though, is another chance to see development within the youth ranks take place. The Smith Rowe’s and Saka’s of last season are now first team regulars and who could rise up from the academy next to follow in their incredible footsteps makes for exciting viewing.

Having a third round clash with AFC Wimbledon on home soil, there will likely be no better opportunity to get a look at the next crop of rising talent in the first team than Wednesday’s meeting.

The EFL Cup still presents a chance of silverware this season, perhaps the best opportunity of all, but nonetheless supporters would love to see some of the Hale End youngsters given their chance impress. Them, and some other young talent at the club who find themselves on the periphery of the first team.

While in the Arsene Wenger days fans may have seen all eight of the following youngsters given a go in some capacity, it’s not likely that Arteta will follow suit this time. Nonetheless, there are eight players vying for a run out against The Dons to look out for, and all have a shout of earning some minutes.

1. Omar Rekik

Age: 19
Position: Central defender

Seeing Rob Holding take up a place on the bench for the Burnley could well have an immediate impact on Omar Rekik’s chances of earning a spot in the squad for Wednesday, but next down the line in the defensive ranks it’s he who could be in with some minutes.

Gabriel and Ben White are likely to be rested ahead of the derby meaning Calum Chambers, Holding and Mari are vying for spots (please don’t get Sead Kolasinac anywhere near this team), with Rekik behind them.

For the Under-23 side this season he’d been in fine form after Kevin Betsy’s men suffered an opening day hammering, with strong performances up to an including the recent 6-1 demolition of Chelsea where he was (very harshly) sent off in the 36th minute.

Even still, the Tunisian has taken huge strides already and was even brought up to Scotland where he played against Hibernian in pre-season.