One person’s joy is another person’s sadness. Arsenal owns many quality names in the main squad. Besides, some faces have too few opportunities to show themselves in the first team; At the same time, a few players had to leave on loan.
Coach Mikel Arteta has implemented a personnel overhaul since taking the hot seat of the Emirates Stadium team in 2019. Stars who did not meet the requirements were removed from the development plan. Here are four forgotten faces mentioned by Football.London.
1. Marquinhos
The Brazilian winger arrived at Arsenal from Sao Paulo. Marquinhos could not make an impact when facing fierce competition for positions in the Gunners’ first team. In the 2022/2023 season, Marquinhos joined Norwich City on loan.
Marquinhos in Nantes shirt.
Contrary to expectations, the 20-year-old star did not perform as expected. Marquinhos has only 8 appearances in the Championship. This season, Marquinhos landed in Nantes.
The Brazilian player only made one start for the Ligue 1 team, contributing an assist when Nantes defeated Lorient 5-3.
2. Emile Smith Rowe
Smith Rowe was once considered capable of becoming the mainstay of Arsenal’s midfield. However, the English player’s career went in a completely different direction after suffering an injury.
This season, Smith mainly plays from the bench. The 23-year-old midfielder had only 10 minutes of playing time in the Premier League, 40 minutes of playing time in the Champions League, and 82 minutes of playing time in the Carabao Cup.
Smith Rowe was forgotten on the bench.
Dismal, disappointing statistics for a talented, promising player like Smith Rowe. “He faces pressure to compete for a starting spot in the Premier League. Arteta is creating a challenge for Smith Rowe. He needs to prove he deserves a chance,” said journalist Paul Brown.
3. Reiss Nelson
Similar to Smith Rowe, Nelson is a wasted talent on Arsenal’s bench. The 23-year-old player had only 35 minutes on the field in the Premier League, 82 minutes on the field in the Carabao Cup, and 52 minutes on the field in the Champions League.
Nelson in Arsenal shirt.
Arsenal fans have reason to be dissatisfied with Arteta’s use of personnel. Nelson is strong enough to replace Bukayo Saka’s position, thereby helping the English player reduce his playing load. “He is a product of Arsenal. Nelson seems to turn into a different person, a fraud on the training field,” Alex Iwobi shared.
4. Omar Rekik
Omar Rekik is another promising young player for Arsenal. Last season, Omar played for Sparta Rotterdam Club on loan. The result was not as expected for the Dutch midfielder.
Omar is a midfielder with rich potential.
This season, Omar plays for Wigan on loan from Arsenal. Omar made his debut as Wigan beat Cambridge 2-1 on aggregate.
Players born in 2001 need impressive enough performances if they want to think about the scenario of returning to Arsenal next season.
Mr. Nguyen | 08:02 October 17, 2023
