The Arsenal had some events to be proud of during the international break. Ten of the young Gunners were on international duty with their countries and five of them managed to score a goal and help their team get a point or three.
The Londoners have nothing to worry about when it comes to first team replacements as their academy players are doing perfectly well not only in the Premier League 2 but playing for their countries too.
You can surely say that about England. The future is bright for the Three Lions and it looks like Gareth Southgate is going to find trouble choosing his starting 11 in the next few years, as there are some talented youngsters working hard for their chance in the senior team.
Under-21s
Reiss Nelson, who is now on loan at Hoffenheim scored as the England Under-21s smashed Andorra (7-0) and secured their spot at next summer’s U-21 Euro finals. As had happened in the Bundesliga last week, the 18-year-old came off the bench and scored. This time for 6-0 with a back-heel effort which left the ‘keeper helpless. Later on, Nelson made a great cross into the box (typically for him) and forced an own-goal for the final 7-0. The team is unbeaten in its last 15 games – winning 12 and drawing 3.
He has now scored four goals in all competitions this term – Premier League 2 (1), Bundesliga (2) and U21 EURO qualifications (1).
Reiss carried the ball on the left but then felt pressured and decided to pass to Foden. With a one-touch combination, he sent the ball to Davies, whilst Nelson was making nice off-the-ball movement and sneaked behind the whole defence which was too concentrated in marking Davies.
Reiss was in the box right on time to receive a one-touch pass from Davies, dive into an offensive duel with the goalkeeper and score.
Under-20s
Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah took part of the England Under-20s friendly against Italy. The Gunners were extremely important for the 2-1 win as they both netted with Joe even assisting for his Arsenal teammate’s goal. Eddie opened the scoring in the 19th-minute and then Willock doubled after a penalty kick for 2-0.
Nketiah scored the opening goal against the Czech Republic on Monday evening too, but with a late equalizer, the final score was 1-1.
Both guys are really creative and perform great in front of the goal. They are often in the centre of the action as they are both good at playmaking. But most of their explosiveness comes in the final third. Nketiah has a great vision and is a strong decision-maker. Joe is more of a dribbler and won’t hesitate to take control over any loose ball and turn it into a dangerous opportunity.
Here are some of their best actions for club and country:
In here, Nketiah didn’t give up the ball easily. He reached it first, then dived into an offensive duel.
There was a ricochet but it didn’t bother him at all. He dribbled past his opponent and was immediately ready to pass.
And so did he. He created a great opportunity for John-Jules, who received the ball but missed the target.
In here, Eddie demonstrates his off-the-ball moves. He sneaked between his markers and made a run towards the box. Reiss Nelson was there to see the gap left on the edge of the box and his ongoing teammate and made a pass. Nketiah reached the ball just on time to shoot and score for 5:1.
He made a perfectly measured through pass against Boreham Wood during pre-season. Even in a moment when every player had his marker on his back, Eddie saw the space on the edge of the box and realized that any of his teammates could make a run and take advantage of the opportunity. In fact, a great off-the-ball movement from Mkhitaryan, who received the ball, ended up with a goal.
Joe applied pressure on his opponent and made a recovery. He immediately passed the ball to Smith Rowe who ran to the edge of the box and made a cross.
In here, Willock won the offensive duel after few dribbling moves. Even though the ball was almost out he didn’t stop there, freed himself and shot in a split second. Unbelievably, he scored from that angle.
Under-19s
After scoring his first senior goal in his first official start for the Arsenal, Emile Smith Rowe scored and assisted for England Under-19s too. Smith Rowe opened the scoring in the second half with a slotted finish, adding an assist later on.
That’s how he started on his senior career at Arsenal:
Welbeck won the aerial duel but the ball went loose up front. Iwobi took the possession and started an attack. At the same time, Emile Smith Rowe was making a speed run towards the box so he can receive the ball, seeing that their opponents are going to apply pressure on Iwobi.
It all ended up with him being left uncovered, going deep in the box and scoring.
More: Northern Ireland Under-21s
Daniel Ballard scored a last-gasp winner for Northern Ireland Under-21s. The Arsenal man scored a header from a corner in the 89th minute as they picked up a 1-0 victory over Iceland to set up a potentially crucial final group game against Slovakia on Tuesday evening.
Summary
Unai Emery has a few impressive players to keep an eye on as he is going to be in need of variations in the different competitions. With the likes of Lacazette, Aubameyang, Welbeck and these talented youngsters Arsenal’s striking force is getting much better than other teams’.
So is England’s one. The future for the Three Lions looked bright after the World Cup this summer, but now, it looks even brighter.
To sum up Arsenal’s youth impact in yesterday’s internationals:
Reiss Nelson (u21s) ⚽️?️
Daniel Ballard (u21s) ⚽️
Joe Willock (u20s) ⚽️?️
Eddie Nketiah (u20s) ⚽️
Emile Smith Rowe (u19s) ⚽️?️
Tyreece John-Jules (u18s) ⚽️They’re on fire. pic.twitter.com/c1aZpkl5J8
— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) October 12, 2018
