Arsenal Still Grooming Young Stars Like Alex Iwobi And Chris Willock

Arsenal Still Grooming Young Stars Like Alex Iwobi And Chris Willock

Arsenal fans are always keeping one eye on the up and coming talent in football, whether that be within their own academy or on a wider scale.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has a history of bringing through the brightest young talent in north London, whilst always keeping a look out for those from other clubs that he can bring in and make a success of.


Fans at The Emirates may not have seen a breakout star for a while, Alex Iwobi is getting there, however there are plenty to get excited about in the current crop, just waiting to make their mark.

Chris Willock, who made his first team debut off the bench in an EFL Cup tie at Nottingham Forest earlier this season, has starred in the youth ranks over the years for Arsenal and is just waiting for his chance to make a splash on the big stage.

The tricky left-winger comes from a proud footballing family with one younger brother, Joe, also tipped to be a success in the Gunners setup, as well as older brother Matthew, who left the Arsenal setup, now tipped to do well in the Manchester United ranks.

Willock has also made his mark on the international level, having appeared over thirty times at different levels of the England youth setup, currently working his way into Keith Downing’s U19 setup, having made his debut at that level in September.

The emergence of fellow winger and academy graduate Alex Iwobi over the last year or so serves as an example to the likes of 19-year-old Willock that, whilst Wenger remains under increasing levels of pressure to deliver, there is a tangible shot at making the first team, so long as you’re good enough.

Having made his debut with a seven minute cameo against Forest, the winger was afforded a longer spell off the bench in the next round, a 2-0 win over Reading, coming off the bench 18 minutes from time. However, the youngster was not involved at the quarter final stage when Wenger’s side fell to Southampton.

Whilst he was left out of that clash, his talents have not gone unnoticed by the first team boss, who has praised his ability to make an impact going forward, as well as his pedigree to deliver under pressure, something that the Gunners first team has certainly been lacking in recent weeks.

While it may still be too soon to throw Willock in on a regular basis, he will certainly be hoping that an FA Cup tie against Sutton United presents a chance to show, once again, what he’s got. Should he be given the chance next Monday, Gunners fans could have a player to get excited about for years to come.