Reflections on Rasmussen + Under-18s start in Sheffield

It is unlikely that, in around 10 years time, anybody will care to remember the tall, leggy, imposing winger who once turned up at London Colney and failed to make an impression during his two years at the club.

I am, of course, talking about Jonas Rasmussen, the Dane, who recently had his professional contract at the club terminated less than 12 months after he signed it.

To be honest, I still cannot understand why he turned professional in the first place. In his first couple of appearances for the under-16s  he looked as if he had something about him, but he couldn’t cut it at a higher level.

The u-18s was too much for him, initially at least, he was too often on the periphery of games and his fitness was a constant concern. A couple of assists here and there gave the impression that there was talent, but nobody could find the key to unlock it.

That began to change this season, with Rasmussen finally getting on the scoresheet, against Chelsea of all teams, with a fine finish. He followed it up with a strike against Aston Villa but flittered in and out of the side before eventually complaining of homesickness.

Maybe, with time, he could have developed into something special and, one thing’s for certain, he has a lot more to give. Sadly, it won’t be at Arsenal.

In other news, Steve Bould’s under-18s side will begin the defence of their Premier Academy League crown away to Sheffield United on August 22nd.

That is followed by a home game against Leeds and subsequent trips to Birmingham and Leicester.

February looks a particularly tough month, with three consecutive London derbies against Chelsea, Fulham and Crystal Palace.

The season concludes at home to North London rivals Spurs, with Bould’s boys looking to match last season’s double winning success.