Rock-solid Jones making an impression in under-16s
Posted by Jeorge Bird on November 12, 2009
Arsenal under-18s’s soft centre may have been criticised by many this season, but there is one centre-back in the under-16s who is making quite an impression.
15 year old Joe Jones has been a regular for Steve Gatting’s side this campaign, making several crunching challenges and also weighing in with his fair share of goals. His ability to roam forward into midfield whilst also being aware of when to track back has won him many admirers and his no-nonsense style has seen him transform himself into one of Gatting’s most important players.
Joe was called up by Northern Ireland U16s for their recent Victory Shield match with England and looked comfortable in possession as well as displaying a sound tactical understanding of the game. He was left bemoaning a missed scoring opportunity from a header but could take heart from his overall performance.
Striving for a scholarship this season, Joe has already been earmarked as a potential talent. He will be promoted to Northern Ireland’s U17s next month and looks to have a very big future ahead of him.
john said
Finally a good centre half coming through. We have missed a physical player like him.
Wolz said
So his positioning is good then? That’s the most vital attribute imo.
Claude said
Good stuff JB.
Surely the influx of swiss lads will hamper his chances don’t you think? We seem to have a good few defenders coming through with a chance at the club.
Hopefully in time, the EPL might follow La Liga and allow the bigger clubs to field reserve sides (B Teams) in a competitive division. Remember, our Carling Cup side currently sell’s out the emirates. It would be a shame to lose some of this talent due to lack of gametime imo.
Xabier said
Sorry I don’t agree that bigger clubs should be allowed to have their reserve teams in the lower leagues like in Spain. It really goes against all the traditions of the English game and hampers the chances of the lower league teams.
What would surely be more effective would be to reduce the limits on the number f players allowed to go out on short term loans domestically.
gary93 said
iv seen him play for the 16’s before and he is not the most physical player very skinny
got caught on the ball a lot as well
not like u boatengs and bartleys in my opinion
john said
Gary93 dats the whole bloody point. PPl like boateng were judged cause at that level they were much stronger, faster, quicker so they looked good. As usual technique, attitude and skill always prevails.
Tim b said
Saw him play for the u16s against fulham, he was quality in that game
sharpovic said
John, Boateng’s technique is not bad
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Riccardo
Sport City-Calcio
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Tim b said
Joe is total class.