Vote now for your player of the season

The season is now officially over for Arsenal’s youngsters and, aside from the likes of Gilles Sunu and Oguhzan Ogzaykup who will be competiting at the UEFA u-17 European Championships this month, there is no action for the youth players to look forward to beyond next week’s friendly against Dorchester Town.

So, now is a time for reflection and to look back on all of the best action from the season gone by. You can now vote for your player of the season.

You will be allowed to vote for any player who has featured for either the reserves or under-18s this season and there will be further awards to come next week.

But for now, you can vote for your player of the season by sending an e-mail to arsenalyouthawards@googlemail.com

Below is the shortlist for the award:

Nacer Barazite

The Dutchman has had a fantastic season in front of goal, scoring six times in fifteen games for the reserves, whilst also hitting the net thirteen times for the reserves. The Dutch under-19 international also made his first-team debut in the Carling Cup, featuring against Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers.

Jack Wilshere

Jack Wilshere is the name on everybody’s lips after his scintilating performance for the Reserves against West Ham at Underhill, where the England u-17 international made one and scored one in front of the watching Arsene Wenger. Those that have seen Jack play regularly though will know that it was not a one off, he has been a revelation at under-18 level and finished the season as joint top scorer at that level, with 13 goals.

Emmanuel Frimpong

Despite not featuring for the reserves last season, Emmanuel had a season to remember for the under-18s. He scored five goals in total for Steve Bould’s side, including goals from free-kicks in successive games during a purple patch in March. The powerhouse midfielder also featured at the Montaigu Tournament for the England u-16s.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas

A hard-working and extremely versatile player, Jay made the most appearances in total for the under-18s last season, with 25 starts and scoring six goals. He started the season at left-back, before pushing forward into left midfield and ended the season playing as a centre-back. He tired towards the end of the campaign, but also managed to make seven starts for the reserves, scoring one goal.

Wojciech Szczesny

Wojciech was the under-18s first choice ‘keeper in 2007/08, and his fantastic saves managed to stop Arsenal from dropping crucial points. He rounded off the season in fantastic style, saving a penalty against Fulham in the final league game, and despite a 1-0 defeat to Villa in the play-off semi-final, his stunning display was widely acknowledged, with Aston Villa fans keen to add their plaudits.

Vito Mannone

Italian ‘keeper Vito played 14 times for the reserves last season and his agile displays managed to win over the support of the Underhill faithful. Despite a relatively successful season, he was sent off at Villa Park on Tueday for a professional foul. Vito also sat on the first team bench for all of the Carling Cup ties as well as the Premier League win over Reading last month.

There are many other candidates for the award. Abu Ogogo, Paul Rodgers and Gavin Hoyte impressed at times. Sanchez Watt, Craig Eastmond and Gilles Sunu all impressed for the under-18s, whilst defender Havard Nordtviet looked a dead cert for the award earlier in the season, but missed half of the season because of injury. Rhys Murphy also rediscovered his goalscoring form for the under-18s in the second half of the season.

The choice is yours, but remember that multiple entries will not be counted, nor will any for first team players such as Armand Traore, who has featured for the reserves this season.

Remember to e-mail your choice to arsenalyouthawards@googlemail.com and if you have time then please state a reason for your decision, but it’s the vote that counts.

The winner of the award will be announced at some point next week.