Terry Burton's reserves side faced West Ham United at their East London Old Ford Sports Ground on Friday, hoping to ensure their preceding result - the 1-1 draw at home to Norwich City - was just a minor blemish in an otherwise 100% start to the season.
However, this was not to be, as West Ham dispatched their Arsenal counterparts 4-1 in what was a disappointing display from the Gunners.
Despite taking the lead after just five minutes through centre back Elton Monteiro's bullet header, Arsenal failed to cope with the relentless pressure from the Hammers and conceded two goals in each half.
Sticking to his promise after the Norwich game, Burton gave starts to those he rested, making eight changes in total. Samir Bihmoutine was handed his first appearance of the season at left back, while Serge Gnabry returned after the knock he received against Olympiakos in the Next Gen Series last week.
Sanchez Watt retained his place upfront, perhaps due to the absence of Chuba Akpom who is in Estonia with England U19s, while Nico Yennaris returned to his berth in defensive midfield. He was partnered by versatile Dutchman Kyle Ebecilio, who has impressed intermittently this season.
Few players shone; there were glimpses of magic from Gnabry, and Hector Bellerin was by all accounts a dangerous attacking threat when he came on after the hour mark.
However, Burton's decision to make such a large reshuffle to the team certainly backfired. The defence lacked organisation and experience while the forward players showed little end product.
The torrential rain may have played a part in what was a disjointed and generally lacklustre performance from Burton's men, however it was the same for both sides.
This was the final window of opportunity for some of these youngsters to impress before the League Cup tie against Coventry this Wednesday, but it did not go the way they would have planned.
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Showing posts with label gnabry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gnabry. Show all posts
Saturday, 22 September 2012
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Arsenal's 2012/13 Champions League Squad | youth round-up
Good afternoon Gooners, sorry for the lack of action over the past week or so.
Today, Arsenal released their squad for this season's Champions League. The most notable addition is seventeen year old German winger Serge Gnabry, perhaps vindicating rumours he will be fast-tracked into the first team this year.
Below is the preliminary squad. Please note the so called 'B list' has yet to be confirmed, but will most likely contain the likes of Jack Wilshere, Emmanuel Frimpong and Francis Coquelin, so refrain from freaking out when you don't see those names below!
Goalkeepers:
1. Wojciech Szczesny,
21. Lukas Fabianski,
24. Vito Mannone
Defenders:
3. Bacary Sagna,
4. Per Mertesacker,
5. Thomas Vermaelen,
6. Laurent Koscielny,
11. Andre Santos,
18. Seb Squillaci,
20. Johan Djourou,
25. Carl Jenkinson,
28. Kieran Gibbs
Midfielders:
2. Abou Diaby,
7. Tomas Rosicky,
8. Mikel Arteta,
15. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain,
16. Aaron Ramsey,
19. Santi Cazorla,
23. Andrey Arshavin,
27. Gervinho,
47, Serge Gnabry
Forwards:
9. Lukas Podolski,
12. Olivier Giroud,
14. Theo Walcott,
29. Marouane Chamakh
Youth round-up
Over the last week or so there has been lots of snippets of news concerning Arsenal youngsters.
Firstly, sixteen year old striker Chuba Akpom has flown to Germany with Noel Blake's England U19 squad, for a friendly against their national side. He has done well in training, alongside the likes of Raheem Sterling (who played against Arsenal's first team for Liverpool last weekend) and James Ward-Prowse of Southampton, and will be looking to continue his remarkable progress in this fixture.
On Monday night Arsenal's U21 side defeated their Everton counterparts 3-0 at Underhill, with goals from Sanchez Watt (two penalties) and Dutchman Kyle Ebecilio, continuing their 100% start to the season.
Pat Holland's U18 side beat the same opponent 2-1 at London Colney, coming from behind to deservedly take all three points. Captain Isaac Hayden scored a well taken goal, while winger Tarum Dawkins scored a curling effort after an excellent Arsenal move.
Moreover, Arsenal have announced a partnership with Inverness, in an attempt to offer our youngsters more first team experience by sending them on loan. Striker Phillip Roberts was first to make the move to Scotland.
Macedonian U17 'keeper Dejan Iliev was brought in, adding further competition to this position in Pat Holland's U18 side.
Arsenal's U19 side cruised past Marseille in their first Next Gen match of the campaign, beating the French team 3-0. Goals from Nico Yennaris and Chuba Akpom (x2) cemented an exhilarating performance from Terry Burton's youngsters, who face Olympiacos in Greece next in the competition.
Friday, 24 August 2012
The end of Project Youth? Non - just Wenger being pragmatic
There have been a few blogs written recently raising the question as to whether or not Arsene Wenger's 'Project Youth' has come to its end. It has not, in my opinion, and anyone who says it has is being shortsighted.
Indeed, there is an argument to suggest so; over the last two years, we have signed ten players over the age of 25. While this is a clear indication that Arsene is acknowledging the fact his side requires more experience to be successful, it does not signal the end of Project Youth per se.
In my view, this is just Wenger being pragmatic, for a change. He has realised his philosophy of developing academy players into a title-winning side has failed. That is why he has brought the likes of Mikel Arteta, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski in. But this means he is just placing less reliance on his philosophy; not ending it. There is a difference.
I also think Wenger has realised he does not have enough time to carry on placing as much of an emphasis on his youth project. Fans are losing patience and demand success immediately. There is no long-term picture in the minds of so many supporters. And I think Wenger has adapted to the climate he is in and sought to almost appease his critics, whilst simultaneously improving the team - just not in the way he idealises.
So yes, ostensibly, there is reason to believe Wenger is ending his youth project. But my friends, this is incorrect. Had this been true, Barcelona starlets Jon Toral and Hector Bellerin would not have been brought in as part of the deal for Cesc Fabregas. Nor would teen sensations Kris Olsson and Kyle Ebecilio, or Gedion Zelalem and Serge Gnabry. Had this been true, the latter would not have been asked to join the first team training camp in Cologne. Why would we have bothered? Or what about 19 year old Thomas Eisfeld, signed last January from Dortmund; why would Wenger have signed him if he did not envisage a future for him at the club?
Let's put it this way: Kieran Gibbs, an academy graduate, would have been long gone had Wenger 'given up' on his youth ideology. He has been blighted with injuries and struggled to maintain any consistent level of performance. Now tell me, don't you think he'd have been replaced by a more experienced and, to put it bluntly, better player?
Wojceich Szczesny is another player who can support my argument. Here is a young man with natural leadership skills and maturity beyond his years. To give a 22 year old full responsibility as your club's number one 'keeper surely dispels the myth that Wenger no longer has faith in youth.
Project Youth is a long term process. Indeed, it may have been temporarily suspended, due to the aforementioned reasons. But make no mistake, Wenger's legacy will continue and in years to come, our side will comprise of players such as Ryo Miyaichi, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Joel Campbell, Kris Olsson, Serge Gnabry, and so on.
While in the short-term, these players, barring Oxlade-Chamberlain, will face limited first team action, spending most of their time on loan or on the fringes, they will be there in the future, more or less, forming the nucleus of the next generation.
Look at Chelsea. They have an ageing side and have released some of their biggest names. But they didn't have any players to promote from within as replacements. Consequently they have spent astronomical sums of money again to rebuild their side, with players like Hazard and Oscar coming in.
Compare this to Arsenal. While I am no psychic and can't give a definitive answer as to how our current crop of young stars will develop, it is more than likely that in the future we will have a group of players who have come through the ranks and are ready to fill the gaps, with Oxlade-Chamberlain and Wilshere as the fulcrums in the side.
I do realise I am now somewhat speculating, but I'm doing so to prove my point; signing a group of experienced players does not end Wenger's youth project, his life and soul. It will remain with longevity, and players will continue to choose Arsenal for their faith in youth, as Cesc Fabregas did, as Aaron Ramsey did, and as Kris Olsson did.
Thank you for reading, follow me on Twitter and leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Report: Arsenal U21s 3-1 Bolton U21s
Terry Burton's U21 side played their first match in the reformatted reserve league against Bolton tonight.
After dominating much of the first half, Arsenal were dealt a major blow when goalkeeper Emi Martinez was deservedly shown a red card after bringing down Bolton's striker, who had just rounded him. The penalty was duly dispatched and the half finished 1-0 to the visitors.
Some Terry Burton words of wisdom must have done the trick at the interval, as his side came out almost rejuvenated in the second half, and didn't have to wait long for the equaliser.
Young German midfielder Thomas Eisfeld continued his impressive goalscoring record for the Gunners with a tap in after some tidy play between Serge Gnabry and Chuba Akpom - which resulted in the latter striking the woodwork.
Eisfeld seems to have a knack of being in the right place at the right time, as he showed tonight and also with his goals during the pre-season tour of Asia.
Conor Henderson then exhibited his expertise from dead ball situations, firstly with a superb free kick to make it 2-1, and then a thumping penalty to give the Gunners a two goal cushion.
The team showed tremendous character against a physical Bolton side, who had a man advantage for most of the game. Burton will be delighted with the response of his players after half time, and they obviously listened to what he had to say. Next up for the U21s is Blackburn on Saturday, which is also at The Emirates.
Player Focus (on most influential performers):
James Shea
The young goalkeeper was excellent after replacing Martinez in goal, at the expense of Kris Olsson. His first involvement was to pick the ball out the back of the net from a penalty but numerous impressive saves followed. Most notably, a double save Wojciech Szczsney would have been proud of. The ball was cut back to Bolton's striker and from no more than 10 yards out, shot straight at the keeper, who sprung to his feet instantly to block the rebound. First team goalkeeping coach Gerry Peyton will have been impressed.
Hector Bellerin
The Barca import played at right back today, and struggled defensively at times. He grew in confidence as the game progressed, however, offering more of an attacking threat. Having said that, he missed a glorious opportunity to give Arsenal the lead, after great work from Gnabry on the right.
Nico Yennaris
Yennaris was deployed in central midfield, his natural position, and in my opinion was Arsenal's man of the match. Having performed for the first team on three occasions - including a match against Manchester United - Yennaris added real composure to the Arsenal midfield.
He did the simple things excellently - which is easier said than done. He broke up play, distributed possession adroitly and made a couple bursting runs forward. For a man so small he is deceptively strong - particularly in his upper body, and was not afraid to put himself about. While most of the plaudits will be aimed at Conor Henderson and Serge Gnabry, I thought Yennaris delivered a stellar performance this evening.
"He's so good to play with", says Chuba Akpom, "he works hard and plays simple football".
Conor Henderson
The fulcrum in the side, Henderson cemented his impressive performance with two goals from dead ball situations, most notably a curling free kick from 20 yards out.
An excellent passer of the ball, my only criticism - which I have noted after watching him in all the reserves' pre season friendlies this year - is that he tries to force play too often, constantly searching for the killer ball. As the saying goes, "football is simple yet the hardest thing to do is playing simple football". Nonetheless, Henderson played well.
Serge Gnabry
Another fine performance from the 17 year old German, whose bullish runs and deceptive trickery are becoming somewhat of a trademark. He displayed his dexterity as a winger with an excellent first time cross with his weaker left foot in the first half, followed by some great pieces of movement to spin in behind the opposing full back.
The mouths of the 4,000+ Arsenal fans were watered after a scintillating piece of skill by Gnabry in the second half, where he rode a tackle and then, in the blink of an eye, turned magnificently past three defenders and delivered a dangerous cross.
Thomas Eisfeld
Like his compatriot, Eisfeld impressed again, despite struggling to impose himself on the game in spells. He demonstrated his tremendous technical ability on numerous occasions, for example a little burst of pace from midfield followed by a Fabregas-esq scooped through ball which almost created a goal for Akpom.
Again, he tended to drift inside from his wide right position, suggesting he is most comfortable when operating centrally. He scored the equaliser and was one of Arsenal's most dangerous attackers, so will have impressed the onlooking Arsene Wenger.
Chuba Akpom
As ever, 16 year old Akpom delivered an industrious performance, and deserved a goal. Despite several cynical fouls from behind, leaving his ankles "destroyed", the striker continued to hassle and harry, and displayed his willingness to run in behind.
In the opening stages, Akpom played a cute reverse ball into Gnabry and the German should have scored. But for a fine last ditch tackle from Bolton's Niall Maher, Akpom would have given Arsenal the lead, and was unlucky not to score later on after his shot hit the post - only for Eisfeld to convert the rebound.
Akpom played to his strengths and has made huge progress in the last couple months. Evidently, he is making a firm impression on Terry Burton.
Thanks for reading and feel free to Follow me on Twitter.
Thursday, 9 August 2012
Which U18s can Arsenal fans expect to see in this year's Capital One Cup?
New reserve team boss Terry Burton has had a mixed start to his reign, winning twice, drawing once and losing on the solitary occasion. Despite this, pre-season for Arsenal's second string has provided the fans with some exciting glimpses of what is to come. I was present for all the reserves' pre-season fixtures, excluding Chesham, and hope to provide some insight as to who could make the step up to first team football this year.
Chuba Akpom
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| Akpom with Neymar |
The 16 year old excelled in his reserve team debut a fortnight ago, in the 3-1 victory over non-league side Boreham Wood. The England U16 international is most effective as a centre forward, and possesses a balance between technical and physical prowess rare to find in a man so young.
He confidently dispatched his penalty against the Hertfordshire side and impressed with his hold up play and work rate. The following week, in the 0-0 draw at Stevenage, Akpom struggled to impose himself on the game, exacerbated by the lack of service he received. Despite this, he continued hassling and harrying and was ever willing to run in behind, so he should take encouragement from that performance.
Akpom was rested for the midweek game against Dartford, but received a massive break the following day as he was asked to train with the first team. Chuba told me he 'fitted in well' alongside stars such as Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski, showing how far he has developed as a player in the last year or so.
Akpom entered the fray after an hour in the 6-2 thrashing of Chesham and impressed again, posing a constant threat to the opposition defence and scoring in the process. Two goals in his first three matches for the reserves will certainly please Burton and his coaching staff, and place the youngster in contention for Capital One Cup football this term.
Kris Olsson
Like Akpom, Olsson made his debut for the reserves against Boreham Wood. He handled himself impressively from his central position, constantly seeking possession and trying to create. The 17 year old scored a delicate lob which epitomised his ability, vision, awareness, and confidence. The latter trait is emphasised by the fact he didn't feel nervous 'at all' when taking his penalty vs Southampton for the first team - which he scored with aplomb.
His physical strength is arguably the only thing restricting him at the moment from featuring in the Capital One Cup. On the other hand, the coaching staff had enough confidence in the Swede's ability to select him for the Southampton friendly.
Against Stevenage, Olsson struggled to influence proceedings in what was a dire match. He publicly stated how disappointed he was with his individual performance, although he was playing a solid team and shouldn't feel disheartened.
He did not come off the bench against Dartford, but grabbed another 60 minutes at Chesham. I spoke to Chuba and he picked out Kris (and also 16 year old first year scholar Jack Jebb) as the star performers, as well as himself.
The young Swede, touted 'the next Tomas Rosicky', is certainly one to keep a keen eye on.
Serge Gnabry
At 17 years of age, attacking midfielder Serge Gnabry is one of the most exciting prospects at Arsenal. With a physique comparable to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the youngster would acclimatise to the physical demands of first team football better than others.
Gnabry was one of the stars of Steve Bould's U18 side last year, scoring seven goals in ten games - a phenomenal return for a midfielder. The then reserve team manager Neil Banfield gave Serge his chance in the second string where he continued to impress, scoring twice in six appearances.
In the opening 45 minutes against Dartford last Wednesday, Gnabry was the most dangerous player on the pitch, wreaking havoc upon the opposition defence with his directness and trickery.
In the 0-0 draw with Stevenage the previous week, the German provided some of Arsenal's only moments of quality, notably a jinking run resulting in a shot which hit the bar.
Though still eligible for Arsenal's U18 side, Gnabry will feature more prominently in Burton's reserves this season, and the fact he has traveled to Cologne with the first team is a clear indication of Wenger's intention to use him in the Capital One Cup.
Martin Angha
The Swiss defender was the most prominent figure in Neil Banfield's reserve side last season, with 22 appearances. Despite his preferred position of centre half, Angha is equally as adept at fullback, where he possesses enough technical ability to provide additional fire power to the attack.
The defender, who turns nineteen in January, was deployed at centre back in the game against Boreham Wood, delivering a solid and composed performance.
Burton decided to utilise Angha at right back the following week against Stevenage. However in the opening stages the youngster was guilty of over playing in congested areas near his own goal. This is an observation worth noting, as he has previously been criticised for lapses in concentration. Although this will improve with experience, it could be a possible hindrance to his prospects of first team football this season. However, he grew in confidence and composure as the game progressed, and his side kept a clean sheet.
Angha has trained with the first team on several occasions, and his versatility is certainly valued. He was also one of the select few who were chosen to train with the Brazil national side, showing he is regarded highly by his coaches.
Moreover, had it not been for a registration issue, Angha would have traveled to Olympiacos as part of the first team squad for their final Champions League group stage fixture last year.
Clearly, the youngster has talent, and if he is not sent out on loan this season, could well feature in the Cup.
Kyle Ebecilio
Ebecilio is also a versatile player, who is normally deployed in midfield. He can be effective in both central and wide positions, impressing with his passing ability, tackling and power. He also provides a useful source of goals from midfield. His idol, he has said, is Alex Song, and their styles are not too dissimilar.
Having played football in Holland, graduating from the Feyenoord academy, it is no surprise to see such a rounded individual. An alternative training method used in Holland is to play youngsters out of position so they can develop other skills and become more complete footballers. You can read more about this subject here.
The Dutchman's reputation was significantly enhanced after last year's U17 European Championships. Despite invariably playing as a defensive midfielder, Ebecilio was the tournament's highest goalscorer with three goals, and after his side's 5-2 demolition of Germany in the final, was awarded the 'Golden Player' prize, following in the footsteps of Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney.
Despite his goalscoring excursions, Ebecilio, who finds the net almost once every six games for Arsenal's U18s, has been played predominantly at right back this year. Having been called up to the first team for the friendly against Southampton in this position, it is feasible that this is where he'll play if selected for the Cup, especially when you consider Arsenal's lack of depth in that area.
However, despite impressing in an attacking sense, Ebecilio does not seem a natural defender, and Carl Jenkinson and Nico Yennaris are ahead of him as deputies to Bacary Sagna.
Ebecilio has over 20 appearances for Arsenal's second string and trained with the first team on several occasions. It is said that Arsene Wenger is contemplating including him in Cup football this season, so remember the name.
'Til next time, and remember to Follow me on Twitter.
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Arsenal squad announced for 2012/13 Next Gen Series
I spoke to U18 star Kris Olsson not too long ago and asked him his thoughts on the tournament. This was his response:
To play against the best teams and players from your age group is always good and it develops you as a footballer. To get an experience to play in front of a crowd and maybe TV is also good, so I am really looking forward to it!
I am sure this is the general consensus around the whole group, and the tournament is a big step in the development of these young players. Here is the squad, as listed on the Next Gen website.
Goalkeepers:
Reice Charles-Cook - 18
Josh Vickers - 16
Defenders:
Zach Fagan (CB) - 17
Elton Monteiro (CB) - 18
Sead Hajrovic (CB) - 19
Leander Siemann (CB) - 16
Martin Angha (CB) - 18
Arinse Uade (CB) - 16
Tom Dallison (CB) - 16
Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill (LB) - 16
Samir Bihmoutine (LB) - 18
Hector Bellerin (RB) - 17
Nico Yennaris (RB, DM) - 19
Kyle Ebecilio (RB, CM) - 18
Midfielders:
Isaac Hayden (DM) - 17
Jordan Wynter (DM) -18
Kris Olsson (CM) - 17
Jon Toral (CM) - 17
Jack Jebb (CM) - 16
Josh Rees (RM) - 18
Thomas Eisfeld (AM) - 19
Serge Gnabry (AM) - 17
Chuks Aneke (AM) - 19
Forwards:
Phillip Roberts (ST) - 18
Nigel Neita (ST) - 18
Alfred Mugabo (RW) - 16
Tarum Dawkins (RW) - 16
Anthony Jeffrey (LW) - 17
Chuba Akpom (ST) - 16
Austin Lipman (ST) - 16
Zak Ansah (ST) - 18
Benik Afobe (ST) - 19
Thursday, 2 August 2012
Report: Dartford 2-1 Arsenal XI
Firstly, Serge Gnabry, the 17 year old German who recently signed professional terms with the club, was outstanding in the first half.
Deployed at left midfield, Gnabry was a constant threat to the Dartford defence with his pace, skill and directness. The youngster has only just returned from injury yet showed no signs of rustiness with his powerful runs and general tenacity. His ability to beat a man is aided by his robust physique - particularly in his upper body strength.
From what I've seen, Gnabry has the necessary balance between physical and technical ability to warrant him a place on the bench for the Capital One Cup this season.
In the first half, the ball was passed to Gnabry out wide, and with his first touch, the youngster audaciously span it round the approaching defender, only to be tackled by a covering player.
Several bullish runs into the box later, Gnabry picked the ball up in a central position and drove forward in typical fashion, leaving opposition players in his wake. He unleashed a dangerous shot which beat the keeper, but cannoned off the post.
Unfortunately Gnabry failed to have a similar impact in the second half and was subbed for Jernade Meade after the hour mark.
Thomas Eisfeld's performance is another reason to be positive. The German, back from touring Asia with the first team, was deployed on the right hand side of midfield. His footballing intelligence is evident when you watch him, with his subtle bursts of movement and clever reverse balls. He had a chance to score early on, when a cross from the impressive Samir Bihmoutine fell to him around 10 yards out, but his effort was blocked.
The diminutive German's tendency to drift inside from the right is a strong indication that his natural position is a more central one. He is certainly one to look out for and is likely to feature in the Capital One Cup this season.
Moreover, fullbacks Hector Bellerin and Samir Bihmoutine were impressive. The latter was excellent in complementing Gnabry's game, whose tendency to cut inside with his favoured right foot created space out wide. Thus, Bihmoutine would tirelessly overlap, providing a source of width for the side. He also delivered several dangerous crosses, while maintaining a solid game defensively. Similar can be said for Bellerin.
However, Sanchez Watt was again underwhelming. He scored a penalty, which he won himself after an excellent through ball by Conor Henderson, but overall showed a real lack of composure in his finishing.
Chuks Aneke, also back from the tour of Asia, lacked end product. On several occasions he received the ball on the edge of the box, but poor decision making let him down. However, the mental sharpness will come with more minutes, and he should take encouragement from the fact he is getting in positions where he can score or create goals.
A poor backpass by Swiss centre back Sead Hajrovic - hitherto criticised for a fragile concentration - handed Dartford the winner. A goalmouth scramble provided Arsenal with some hope of an equaliser late on, but the game finished 2-1, ending Burton's two-match unbeaten run as manager of the reserves.
Arsenal XI dominated large parts of the first half but failed to capitalise on their opportunities. They faced a plucky Dartford side, who grabbed the win somewhat fortuitously. The second half was rather uneventful but Burton certainly has positives to take from the game, especially from the younger crop of players.
Next up is Chesham on Saturday, where hopefully the team can finish with a win before the new season commences.
'Til then, and remember to Follow me Twitter.
Monday, 23 July 2012
Interview with U18 star Kris Olsson | Part II
(If you missed part one, just keep calm and click here).
RL: You've represented Sweden on numerous occasions. First of all, what is it like playing for your country? Do you feel a different sort of pressure than when you represent Arsenal?
KO: It is great to play for your country. I mean, you represent your own country and it's a big thing every time!
Yes I feel a different sort of pressure. I mean, in Sweden I'm the 'star' - I play for Arsenal whereas everyone else plays for a club in Sweden, apart from two. So it's a different sort of pressure but I love to play for the national team and feel proud every time.
RL: Do you feel you thrive under the pressure of being the 'star' man, or do you sometimes feel it is too much of a burden/responsibility?
KO: No I like that pressure - I usually play well when I'm under it. Generally, I play quite well for Sweden, so I like it!
RL: Secondly, how different are the philosophies of your Swedish side to that of Arsenal?
KO: Sweden is not a big footballing country, so we're (the U17s) usually not the best team so it's different. We have some decent players to be fair, but our coach wants me to have the ball a lot and go forward quickly, whereas at Arsenal we should keep the ball etc.
RL: What did you make of Sweden's failings at Euro 2012?
KO: I think the first match was the thing, I mean if you lose to Ukraine, you shouldn't be there. But they played quite well against England and France, I just think they need some new players; some good wingers and centre mids.
RL: That's where you come in!
Having played for Fulham and Brentford youth teams myself, plus Sunday League, I soon realised that as long as you were big, aggressive and physically imposing, you could get into even the best of sides. Is this similar to youth football in Sweden? Or is there more emphasis on the technical side of the game?
KO: Yes, that is true, if you are big enough and strong enough you can play for most sides. I was often overlooked for this reason, until I was 15.
RL: Is it true you rejected an offer from Chelsea when you were 13? Legend already!
KO: Haha, no. They wanted me to go on trial but then the boss of youth football at Chelsea said no to all trials at that time - it was something to do with Abramovich's money.
RL: So Chelsea asked you on trial but then their own youth boss said no because of Abramovich's money?
KO: Yes, exactly. The scout who saw me was Swedish and he sent me all the papers and we were ready to go, but then he said no, the Chelsea youth boss said no because Abramovich said no to all youth trials and tournaments and those kind of things.
RL: That is a quite shocking disregard for youth football.
Who were the toughest opposition team you've faced?
KO: Southampton in the Marcus Liebherr Cup with the first team. Youth sides - probably the French national team and Chelsea.
RL: Have you had much interaction with Arsene?
KO: I've talked to him a few times, but we've only ever had one serious conversation!
RL: Who is first to let you know if you've had a bad game, or offer words of advice?
KO: It used to be Steve Bould, or Liam Brady.
RL: I hear from a reliable source *cough cough Chuba* that Bould once "went mad" at you for pulling out of a challenge in training. (Sorry to embarrass you!)
What are your thoughts on Bould as a coach, and his promotion to assistant manager?
KO: Haha, yeah! But I really like him, as a coach and outside the pitch. It's a bit sad that he is now in the first team as he was great, but at the same time he knows us all so that is good for the future.
RL: You once went to America to improve your running under the tuition of Michael Johnson. What was that like? Did you feel you improved?
KO: It was good. A bit different and really challenging! I felt I improved my strength and also got quicker, so yes it helped me.
RL: Last season you were not selected to play any matches for the reserves, while teammates such as Toral, Bellerin and Gnabry were. Do you understand the reasons for your omission? Do you think this year the new reserve team boss Terry Burton will pick you?
KO: To be fair no, not really, but I mean I didn't play that well in the spring and I was ill and got injured, so that's a reason. But also I think Neil (Banfield) thought I wasn't good enough. I really hope Terry will pick me - that's my target for this year!
(Since speaking to me, Kris made his debut for the reserves in the 3-1 victory over Boreham Wood, scoring a goal in the process).
RL: Tell me about your experience with the first team at the Marcus Liebherr Cup; how did you feel when you were told the news?
KO: I was surprised and a bit nervous, but then just happy and of course very proud. Everything happened so quickly, it was just unreal.
RL: Was it a different kind of atmosphere travelling with the first team rather than the U18s?
KO: No not really! Perhaps it's slightly quieter with the first team, and more computers!
RL: Did you feel confident when stepping up to take your penalty against Southampton? Even though it was a friendly, you must have felt pretty nervous!
KO: No I wasn't nervous at all. I mean, I had no pressure, everything was a bonus. So yes I was quite confident!
RL: Fellow Swede Seb Larsson failed to make his mark at Arsenal despite being highly regarded as a youngster. Do you feel this will be different for you? Why?
KO: Yes he failed here but that was when Arsenal had one of their best ever squads, so it was very difficult to break through. He plays for the Swedish national team and is a good Premier League player now, so I wouldn't say that he failed as a footballer though.
I hope it will be different for me. But it's difficult to make it all the way. I'll just work the hardest I can and with a bit of luck and a bit of quality, you never know! I have the ambition and the determination, plus I'm humble, so I really hope so, but we'll see.
RL: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
KO: I hope I'm playing in the first team for Arsenal and Sweden!
RL: You said that Seb Larsson will call you up one day and offer some advice, has he fulfilled his promise?
KO: No not yet!
RL: What are your views on the NextGen series? Of course Arsenal are participating this year, in the same group as Athletic Bilbao, Marseilles and Olympiacos.
KO: Yes I am looking forward to it. It's going to be brilliant. To play against the best teams and players from your age group is always good and it develops you as a footballer. To get an experience to play in front of a crowd and maybe TV is also good, so yes I am really looking forward to it!
RL: Alban Bunjaku, who Chuba Akpom recently described to me as 'the best' in the team, recently left Arsenal to join Seville. You had a good understanding with each other, and your link up play was excellent at times. What are your thoughts on his departure and his ability in general?
KO: I don't know why he left. He was a good player but played a bit too much for himself. I disagree with Chuba that he was the best - it is Gnabry and Gedion (Zelalem) in my opinion. But he was a nice guy although maybe a bit too quiet! I wish him good luck!
RL: You were signed as a 16 year old for almost £300,000. Does that ever affect you or add pressure for you to perform?
KO: No not really. Well I already feel a bit of pressure by playing for Arsenal, but that's good. As I said earlier, I play better when under pressure!
RL: And finally: It's 2018, and you're playing for the first team against Spurs. It is the last minute, Chuba receives the ball edge of the box, lays it off and you curl it into the top corner. What is your celebration?!
KO: I'd run to the corner flag where the Arsenal fans are and kiss the badge on my chest, then point my finger to Chuba! (in appreciation)
That sounds like a pretty good celebration, and a good way to end this interview!
Thanks for reading and remember to Follow me on Twitter. It's my birthday tomorrow, so think of it as an early present.
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'Till next time.
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