Arsenal Transfers: Scouting Report for David 'Junior' Hoilett

Arsenal's spending spree isn't over, not by a long shot.

Junior Hoilett could be the next one through the door as the Blackburn midfielder will be available on the cheap.

The Guardian are suggesting the Canadian international could be on his way to the Emirates Stadium to become Arsene Wenger's third signing before the transfer window even opens.

Here is a scouting report on Hoilett, detailing everything you need to know about him as a player.

Information

Name: David Wayne "Junior" Hoilett

Age: 21

Position: Left winger, attacking midfielder, striker

Club History: Blackburn Rovers (2009-present) with several loans

Hoilett has sparkled for Blackburn despite their failings in the league this season. He's been a rare point of excitement for the fans over the last two years and seems head and shoulders above his colleagues with regards to ability.

With Blackburn relegated and Hoilett out of contract this summer, he is 100 percent certain to find a new club.

Strengths

Dribbling, Unpredictability

With the ball at feet, Junior Hoilett has limitless confidence. He has the footballing nous to find space and make himself available, drifting across the opposition penalty box until the ball sticks.

He's dynamite when dribbling and completed an average of 2.6 dribbles per game this season—not bad considering the beleaguered, pressured side he was playing for.

Versatility

Hoilett has the ability and confidence to play anywhere across the advanced midfield line or up front in a quick striker's role.

Many teams need versatility like this—be it to cover injuries and provide squad depth or to switch things around during a game—and this Canadian international would be happy to take up most positions asked of him.

He's most damaging through the centre, but cutting in from the left flank onto his right foot is also a strong suit.

Strengths (2)

Pace

Some of the most dangerous sides in the world are built on pace and Junior Hoilett lacks nothing in this department.

His acceleration is excellent, allowing him to skip away from lunges with ease. It's kept him injury-free for several seasons and allowed him more room than others enjoy due to his burst.

His top-end speed is good—not record-breaking—but certainly useful.

Hunger, Ambition

When your in a poor team, it's easy to succumb to the depression and your performances suffer for it.

Not with Hoilett. Blackburn were woeful for 18 months but his performances never faltered. He does his best every game and never stops striving to improve.

Hungry, ambitious players are hard to find and harder to keep. 

Weaknesses

Crossing

Junior Hoilett is most effective through the middle but can be easily utilised as a winger. Even when playing centrally, he drifts out wide to find space, time and angles.

His crossing, however, is not good. This makes his game slightly one-dimensional, as when he goes wide, you know he's coming back inside. He's not hitting the byline and he's not finding the man in the box.

He only managed 17 accurate crosses throughout the season.

Shooting When He Shouldn't

Linked with his inability to cross, Hoilett takes shots when he absolutely shouldn't.

There are times he'll let fly when he's without an angle, off balance or on his wrong foot. Only nine percent of his shots found their way into the net this season.

Comparing Across Arsenal's Midfield

Arsenal are set to lose a midfielder this summer and need to reinforce the position with a new recruit.

With Yossi Benayoun's loan deal expiring, someone who can play across the midfield will be needed and Junior Hoilett fits the bill.

He is not too dissimilar to what Arsenal already have—versatile players who can stretch the pitch but are unable to deliver a cross.

It might be something Arsene Wenger wants to look at, but we all know Arsenal's game is not built on pumping the ball into the box.

In that respect, considering the neat and tidy football the Gunners play, he'd slot in well.

He won't offer anything incredibly different, but keep up the numbers in a decent midfield.

Comparing Across the Board

Junior Hoilett is far from being the best in his trade but has the potential to become an Arsenal starter after a few seasons at the club.

The way he plays reminds me of Giovani Dos Santos—although we don't get to see too much of him any more.

Happy to play anywhere across the line behind the striker and great for a quick release and through-ball, but not comfortable beating a full-back and delivering a cross or utilising traditional wide play.

He's got potential, so with the right guidance and discipline to his game he could emulate what Yossi Benayoun has done for Arsenal this season and better Tomas Rosicky's performances in the wide role.

Conclusion and Value

Transfermarkt.co.uk has Junior Hoilett valued at €8 million.

With his contract expiring this summer, he'd be able to leave Blackburn Rovers subject to a tribunal fee.

He's only 21 years of age, so we'd see the same process as the Daniel Sturridge to Chelsea saga which ended in a nominal compensatory fee.

So while not free of charge, Hoilett would still come at a price that belies his talent, prospects and experience at this level.

He's definitely worth a pick up for Arsenal, who need to bring in bodies for their next campaign. He won't be displacing Lukas Podolski, but Theo Walcott would now have another colleague snapping at his heels.

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Please also consider reading some of my other scouting reports:

- Gaston Ramirez
- Yann M'Vila
- Hulk