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3 Arsenal players shining on loan this season including ‘revelation’ compared to Harry Kane
In recent years, Arsenal have seen several academy players prosper into established first-team squad members – Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock and Ainsley Maitland-Niles to name a few.
This season, a host of Gunners youngsters have been plying their trade on loan, and a couple of those are already on the way to becoming fan favourites at their current clubs.
Here are 3 Arsenal academy gems who have been particularly impressive away from the Emirates Stadium over the past few months.
Matt Smith (Swindon)
The 20-year-old playmaker came through the ranks at Hale End after joining Arsenal’s Under-9s, and signed his first professional Gunners contract in February 2019.
The Arsenal describes Smith as a “composed midfielder with an eye for a pass”, who “typically looks to operate as a deep-lying playmaker, tasked with controlling the tempo of games and picking out runners in the final third.”
Smith captained Arsenal’s Under-18s to the Premier League South title in 2018-19, playing every minute for his side, and was a regular in the Under-23s last season.
He also trained frequently with the Arsenal first team and has made the matchday squad on six occasions, including in the FA Cup final, where he got his hands on a winners’ medal.
This season, Smith has been plying his trade at League One side Swindon Town, where he has made 21 appearances in all competitions including .
Admittedly, the Robins have been struggling for form lately and are in a relegation battle, but many of their fans deem Smith one of the few bright spots.
Took 70 minutes to properly start playing when fryers came on he was good and solid Matt Smith is great going forward but that midfield lets us down massively grant needs to rest 🔴⚪️
— James Harper 🏆 (@JamesHa86011185)
Also, Matt Smith really is the best player in this league. He is so good every game. Really big future
— Michael Benke (@Michael_Benke)
Feel sorry for how good Matt Smith is, amongst players who are well below his level.
— Tom Carter (@TCarter66208)
Matt Smith’s reading of the game is exceptional.
— Lest we forget (@TrevorSTFC)
Harry Clarke (Oldham)
Clarke has been with Arsenal since 2015, when he joined the Gunners academy from hometown club Ipswich.
The 19-year-old signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in August 2018, and following an impressive season with the Under-23s, penned a new deal in December 2019.
More recently, the 6ft 2in giant captained the Gunners U21s against Crawley in their EFL Trophy win, and is also an England youth international.
In October, Clarke linked up with Oldham, who were at the foot of League Two when he arrived with 13 goals conceded in their opening five league games.
To date, he has made appearances for the Latics, helping them climb away from relegation trouble.
In conversation with , Oldham boss Harry Kewell deemed Clarke a “revelation” and made a comparison between him and Harry Kane in terms of their formative days.
“Harrison Clarke, a young player from Arsenal came here, age 19 and playing every game,” said the Australian.
“He’s been a revelation and he’s loving it. I spoke to him, and said as much as you can be the next big thing, if you got 100 games behind you, that will only help.
“Harry Kane is a great example – he’s incredible, recently scored his 200th Tottenham goal. He went out on loan (Leyton Orient, Norwich City, Milwall in the Football League).
“It wasn’t until 22 or 23 he exploded at Spurs. He got men’s football (under his belt) and it gave him an opportunity to go back and be ready for his chance.”
Daniel Ballard (Blackpool)
The 21-year-old defender, who’s yet to make a competitive senior appearance for the Gunners, joined League One side Blackpool on loan in October.
A combination of international duty with Northern Ireland, a controversial red card suspension and squad competition has meant Ballard has made just appearances so far.
However, he has been thoroughly impressive when called upon, with manager Neil Critchley singing his praises and hoping he can stay beyond January.
“It’s something we’ve spoken about already,” he told the earlier in December. “It’s something we’re well aware of in terms of his situation, so we’re on top of it.
“Dan plays like a leader. He plays with real personality and character on the pitch and he never takes a step backwards. He’s a warrior.”
And on top of shining for Blackpool, Ballard has impressed at international level, the Belfast Telegraph giving him two consecutive 9/10s for his displays against and in the Nations League.