Can the Young Guns push on?

This weekend has again seen several Arsenal youngsters thrust into the spotlight at this years annual Emirates Cup and throughout the pre-season tour of Austria. While some Arsenal fans may be aware of these starlets through their exploits in the FA Academy Premier League and the FA Youth Cup, many will remain unknown as we take a look at whether they are ready to make the step up to the First Team or an inevitable loan spell.

Where else to start but the name on everyone’s lips…Jack Wilshere. The young prodigy has again impressed at this years Emirates Cup, receiving the Man of the Match award in the 3-2 victory over Celtic. Wilshere has been pulling the strings in the ‘Cesc Fabregas role’ in the heart of the Gunners midfield, coming deep to receive the ball and orchestrate the play with some deft touches and clever passes. Wilshere has been outstanding this pre-season, just as he was in the previous summer. Jack enjoyed a useful loan spell at Bolton under the guidance of Owen Coyle where he impressed in the Wanderers midfield, adding style to their steel. Much is expected of the Stevenage born youngster, with under fire England coach Fabio Cappelo referring to the 18year old as one of the names for the next generation England side. However, too much pressure too soon may be a hindrance to Jack’s progression, as he should be left to develop in the Arsenal side. I think Jack will stay at Arsenal for the 2010/11 campaign, challenging for a first team position with the option of another loan spell come January if games are few and far between.

Jack’s midfield partner in pre-season has been the Ghana born Emmanuel Frimpong who has looked very impressive in the midfield engine room, breaking up play in front of the back four exceptionally well. Frimpong’s performances have made him leap from fellow youngster Craig Eastmond in the midfield pecking order, with the latter moving back to his more natural position of right back during pre-season. Frimpong’s impressive performances have led Arsene Wenger to confirm he is not looking for midfield reinforcements with Manny and Jack both impressive.

Craig Eastmond on the other hand has a huge challenge ahead of him. Eastmond started a handful of games last season and looked solid throughout but lacked that extra sparkle to make him stand out. This new knock will see Craig go out on loan for the new season with competition for places scarce.

Mark Randall looks to have received one final opportunity against AC Milan on Saturday and squandered two great chances in the dying minutes, and his Arsenal career looks to be over with him being available to leave. Henri Lansbury on the other hand will probably have another loan spell away from the Emirates, possibly with a Premier League side or a Championship club challenging for promotion.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas featured throughout pre-season with the utility man giving mixed performances. Wenger seems to like Jay playing up front and he does give a massive physical presence which Arsenal lack, but I do not feel like this is the position for him. The problem with Jay is that he doesn’t stand out in any particular position and it is difficult to find somewhere for him to settle. JET is someone with amazing talent and a great future ahead but another loan spell may be needed to discover just where this could be. JET impressed playing behind the striker on loan at Blackpool and later Doncaster Rovers last season, and similarly to Henri Lansbury, a loan spell in the Premiership maybe what is needed for the big man.

Overall, the future of the Gunners is looking very promising with the emergence of a lot of English talent, including left back Kieran Gibbs who we haven’t mentioned. Gibbs and Wilshere will be looking to cement their places in the Arsenal first team this forthcoming season, while Emmanuel Frimpong will provide cover for Alexandre Song. The other ‘Young Guns’ in the squad however will have to settle for Carling Cup appearances or a loan spell away from the club.