Can Arsenal's Youngsters Fill the Gap?

With news still fairly thin on the ground regarding potential signings for Arsenal, it's only reasonable for Arsenal fans to look at what we already have at the club, and ask  the quesion, "Do we have enough to compete at the level we would like the club to?"

I don't buy into sensationalist talk about a crisis, or tales of imminent doom, but even the most calm and measured of us can look at Arsenal's defence and see it needs reinforcement. Three recognised senior central defenders, two of whom are yet to really prove themselves in constant competition at the top level, is not enough.

It's not enough in terms of numbers, or in quality. Granted, Koscielny is a relatively unknown quantity, and could well be an excellent addition to the squad.

Thomas Vermaelen certainly seems optimistic. On the other hand, he could find it difficult. Though we can't read too much into what we see in pre-season friendlies it also doesn't take a genius to see he might struggle against some of the Premier League's bigger and stronger strikers.

Havard Nordtveit is the man who has filled the gap in our defensive options in the two friendlies so far. We've heard a lot over the last couple of years about this young man's potential, but can we really rely on him to overcome his inexperience in the face of quality Premier League opposition? I get the distinct feeling his preparation is not yet complete.

Arsene Wenger has not ruled out trying to re-enlist Sol Campbell for the new season, and I must say I'd feel a lot better about our defence with Sol and his experience in our ranks, even as a backup. I know he's getting on in years now but it's clear he still has plenty to offer a top division side.

I don't feel we have the youth prospects for anyone to step up this season and make themselves that fourth defender, which means we have to be looking at Sol or someone else outside the club.

We are a club that looks to it's academy first for new players, and some of our less patient fans are quick to forget that, but in terms of defenders we're not in a position to do anything but sign a player in this area at the moment.

Behind the central defenders of course, we have the goalkeeping situation. Again, I really feel a signing is needed in this area. I know the manager rates Szczesny, and the lad has a bright future, but very few young keepers are first choice at a top club. There is definitely a reason for that.

I don't deny Szczesny's obvious talent for a second, I think he will be a number one at a much younger age than most, but he still has so much to learn.

It is too costly for a club like Arsenal to have a young keeper learning by his mistakes in our goal. The manager has not ruled out a bid for Mark Schwarzer whom I feel would be a good signing. He is an experienced hand, and a reliable keeper.

Yes, I'm sure there are plenty of people who can dig out you-tube clips of this mistake and that mistake, but all goalkeepers make errors. In Schwarzer's case they are more an exception than a rule. I'm not sure that it can be said with such confidence for any of Arsenal's current goalkeeping options.

In midfield however, I feel we are well-off for options at the moment. If Cesc Fabregas were to leave perhaps we might have to reassess that position. Arsene Wenger has thrown down the challenge to Jack Wilshere to take his opportunity in pre-season to make himself a part of Arsenal's first team.

Personally, I think Jack is ready to be a part of Arsenal's squad on a regular basis. His experience at Bolton has clearly helped him along, and he is now very close to realizing some of that magnificent potential of his.

I think he'll only get the rest of the way now by playing for us. I'm sure the opportunities will be there for him this season, and I hope to see him take them.

Of course, there is Aaron Ramsey as well, who was playing magnificently before the injury, and we can only hope his youth and determination will bring him back to his best quickly. Long term I believe he is the man to step into Cesc Fabregas' shoes.

Samir Nasri, I suppose you wouldn't say is a youngster by this Arsenal side's standards, but to me he just looks better and better all the time.

I try not to read too much into friendlies.  In the two the Arsenals' have played so far, Samir has looked like a man incredibly annoyed at having spent his summer on holiday, watching others failing in the place.

That sort of motivation could be everything Nasri needs to complete his rise to becoming a real top class talent.

I don't believe we need a midfield signing because the youth prospects are so strong, and to some extent I feel the same about the forwards.

I think the time has come for Theo Walcott to be played in the middle, he is not a winger and while I saw the logic in playing him there a couple of years ago, he is a striker and I think he should be played as such.

Carlos Vela, I despair of. He's obviously a brilliantly talented young man, but he goes missing in tough games far too easily. He looks like he would thrive more in a league that wasn't so fast or so physical.

Nicklas Bendtner, after what I thought was an excellent (if injury punctuated) season last term now finds himself contending with Marouane Chamakh and a fit-again Robin Van Persie for the centre-forward spot.

I think, even when he himself does not play well, Arsenal play better with Nicklas Bendtner on the field. He gives the team shape, and the value of that should not be under-estimated. He's never been short on confidence, so I have faith in him to rise to the challenge ahead.

So, a few thoughts there to chew on. I do think we have some of the answers to the questions that are being asked of our team within our squad, among our younger players.

The manager's faith in them is not misplaced for the most part. However, I do feel we need to look outside for answers to the defensive problems. I know I'm not saying anything particularly ground breaking there, but when you are considering things that you find yourself saying over and over again, it never hurts to remind yourself, or others, of the reasons why you are saying them.

I hope Arsene Wenger sees matters in the same light.

Till tomorrow.