Five youngsters Wenger could start for Arsenal against Sheffield Wednesday
Matt Haynes | October 27, 2015
Arsenal are in a good place at the moment. Joint-top of the Premier League and still on a high from a much-needed win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, there is much to be positive about.
Next up for the Gunners is a Capital One Cup clash against Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, who are also in great recent form, though Arsene Wenger might identify this as a useful opportunity to field some of his talented youngsters.
With that in mind, we take a look at who exactly is rolling off the Emirates production line and which five youth stars Wenger could present with a chance to make the step up against the club’s South Yorkshire opponents, in a competition, where he has traditionally blooded youth.
Alex Iwobi
Nephew of former Bolton star Jay-Jay Okocha, the Lagos-born attacker, who has been converted from a winger to a striker, caught the eye in the Emirates Cup this summer and has an abundance of talent. He has four goals in eight for the Under-21 team so far this season and is 7/2 with Coral to break the deadlock.
Jeff Reine-Adelaide
Another who burst onto the scene in Arsenal’s annual summer tournament, the club hold high hopes for the 17-year-old. Having joined from RC Lens in the transfer window, it shouldn’t be too long before the goalscoring midfielder makes the same step up into the senior team that recently successful youth product Hector Bellerin has. Definitely could feature against the Owls and is 10/3 to score anytime.
Krystian Bielik
Signed in January, the 17-year-old Polish defensive midfielder, who has been playing at centre back for the Under-21s is yet to feature in the senior side. While he is making good progress, a starting place is unlikely, though Wenger may see fit to introduce him as a substitute if the Gunners are cruising late on.
Julio Pleguzuelo
Groomed by Barcelona, the centre back has all the attributes to excel at the highest level, is composed on the ball and blessed with intelligence. At 18 he can be the future of the Gunners defence and has drawn comparisons to compatriot Gerard Pique. Wenger may feel that this could be a game in which to offer him an appearance in the senior side.
Ismael Bennacer
Signed from Ligue 2 outfit Arles-Avignon in the summer, the creative midfielder has proved to be comfortable in possession and a polished passer of the ball. The 17-year-old has settled in well at the Emirates and is another gem Wenger could consider.
