Feature

Kids in Kiev: everything you need to know

Arsenal U23

Unai Emery has named a number of youngsters in our travelling squad for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Vorskla Poltava.

Scroll down to find out more about those you may not know:

CHARLIE GILMOUR

A reliable central midfielder, Charlie has become an integral part of our under-23s side.

 

Equipped with a keen eye for a pass, the 19-year-old has also operated as an effective shield for our youngsters’ back line and is a dependable penalty taker.

 

The Hale End graduate scored a hat-trick of spot kicks in a single game for the under-18s against Liverpool last season, and has already netted once in the Premier League 2 this term.

 

An England youth international, Charlie switched his allegiances to represent Scotland at under-17s level. He was first named on our first-team bench for our Europa League match against BATE Borisov in September 2017.

ZECH MEDLEY

Signed from Chelsea as a scholar in November 2016, Zech is a tall and powerful central defender.

 

Having started last season as captain of our under-18s, the teenager’s powerful performances saw him earn his first start at under-23 level - and he’s not looked back.

 

Zech, 18,  has made 17 Premier League 2 appearances since and has proven himself to be a reliable force at the heart of defence. Capable of playing on the left flank too, the teenager is a boyhood Arsenal fan and enjoys carrying the ball into midfield.

 

He was named on our first-team bench for October’s 3-1 win over Leicester City at Emirates Stadium.

Medley

DEYAN ILIEV

Although he may not be a new name to many Arsenal fans, Deyan is still waiting for the opportunity to make an impact on the first-team stage.

 

The 23-year-old goalkeeper joined us from FK Belasica in September 2012 and has fought back from two years on the sidelines to establish himself as our first-choice Premier League 2 stopper.

 

He returned in the 2017/18 season with a string of impressive performances, keeping six clean sheets in our title-winning campaign. The youngster signed a contract extension in the summer.

 

A Macedonia Under-21 international, Deyan has also been called up to his country’s senior squad on a number of occasions, but is yet to win his first cap.

Iliev

JORDI OSEI-TUTU

An ever-present for our under-23s, Jordi has made more than 20 Premier League 2 appearances since joining us from Reading in 2015.

 

Fast and skilful, Jordi is an attacking full back who flourished when deployed as a right wing-back for our second string last season, scoring twice.

 

He was named on our first-team bench twice last season, including at Old Trafford, and made his first start for our senior side at left back during our pre-season clash with Boreham Wood.

DOMINIC THOMPSON

A consistent performer on the left flank, Dominic cemented his place as our under-18s’ first-choice left back last season.

 

Previously a central midfielder when he joined us back in 2012, the 18-year-old is comfortable on the ball and is capable of stretching play with accurate long balls.

 

The Hale End graduate’s fine form was rewarded with a professional contract in June 2018, and he has trained with the first team ahead of Europa League group-stage games this season.

Thompson

TYREECE JOHN-JULES

A clinical finisher with bags of pace, Tyreece is one of our most exciting young forwards.

 

The Hale End graduate has been at the club since he was eight years old and has impressed every time he has stepped up through the age groups.

 

The 17-year-old was a reliable outlet last season, scoring consistently in our FA Youth Cup run, and has continued his fine form this campaign, with two goals and three assists in our opening three Checkatrade Trophy games.

 

An England youth international, Tyreece ended the November international break with the Pinatar Trophy after firing England Under-18s to glory with four goals in three games.

BUKAYO SAKA

An electric winger, Bukayo has been a constant threat to opposing defences this season, coming off the left-hand side to devastating effect.

 

Blessed with pace and power, the 17-year-old Hale End graduate has benefited from Reiss Nelson’s loan move to Hoffenheim by forcing his way into Freddie Ljungberg’s plans.

 

Also capable of playing at left back, Bukayo’s most explosive performances have come further up the flank, and this season he has added end product to his impressive physical attributes.

 

An England youth international, Bukayo scored just three minutes into his under-19s debut to help his country beat Moldova earlier this month.

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