One of the positives coming out of the Emirates cup this past weekend was the performance of Arsenal youngster Benik Afobe, who came on as a substitute for Jack Wilshere after he limped off inside the first 7 minutes against the New York Red Bulls.
The 18-year-old striker was surprised that he featured so early in the game against New York. The youngster stated:
‘I wasn’t really prepared for it, but I went on and all the nerves just went away.’
Afobe, who spent last season on loan at Huddersfield Town, came on and showed some signs of confidence and technique – he played well and did everything that was asked of him.
In what was his debut for the club last Sunday, the forward managed to play 67 minutes and has given Wenger a lot to think about in the upcoming season.
Afobe spoke about his future and seems to have a very good head on his shoulders. He said:
‘My aim is to play for Arsenal’s first team, I’m not thinking too far beyond that but we will have to see what the boss thinks is best for me. When the pre-season games are finished we will talk about what is going to happen with me. I’m delighted with how the pre-season has gone so far.’
Is he ready to get into the side week in week out? Sadly, I don’t believe he is…yet. However, I think he deserves to have a run of games this season, maybe in the Carling Cup and in the early stages of FA Cup, just so that he can prove his worth, as I think this will help with his nerves and also allow him to build on his debut for the club.
It is widely known that Arsene Wenger is a fan of Afobe and has managed to keep him at the club despite previous interest from Barcelona, who tried to sign him just before his 17th birthday.
Although I don’t believe he is ready for the first-team, the youngster is definitely one to watch for the future. I have seen and read numerous articles about the youngster and it’s pretty obvious that this will not be the last we hear of Afobe.
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Any way better than chamakh
Until ALL the defensive gaps are plugged, we can’t afford to risk points on youngsters like Afobe. Before getting a first team place, I would expect any player from the youth or reserves to go on loan to a Premiership club. There’s two much at stake when you consider how we lose out on the title by just a handful of points because of defensive mistakes. Without Afobe cancelling out goals conceded, we’ll drop 2-3 points, and there will be goals conceded if the defence is not bolstered.
the defencive issues of our team are well documented and is still our number one priority, but that doesnt mean we shouldn’t still have a vested interest in the future devlopment of our club. like it says he will most likely get a few games in CC which would be a great platforn for Benik to grow and take the next step. he has been one of the most prolific scorers ever to come through our youth teams and i for one am looking forward to seeing more of him. not every article has to end with the same negative comments regardless of what the article is about. the is life and hope for us outside of all the negativity whisked up by the media
are you going to pay for the loan?
although they are totally different players but right now most arsenal fans would rather see arsenal spend 20 millions on another homesick spanish and send their youth to play stupid football in the championship.
if i had to chose between mata and afobe i will chose afobe, we had small, tricky, drama queen players for 6 years and had nothing.
benik’s size in the box alone will make a huge difference
I dont think he is ready for the first team yet but atleast he is better than Chamakh and is an eye for goal. Im sure he can be on the sub benche though.
As good as he is,no more kids just yet spend some f…ing money on some names.you have proved wenger for 6 years kids and up and coming players don’t win the perm in fact they win f…all get our money out and spend it
F…ing I pad keyboards shit like our 2nd back 4.spend spend spend
yea is beta than chamahk