33. Nacer Barazite
Attack-minded Dutchman Nacer is back at Arsenal this season following a successful loan spell at Derby County in the Championship.
Signed from Dutch side NEC Nijmegen on a scholarship in 2006, Nacer made an instant impression in North London, scoring against Boreham Wood in pre-season and preceding to star in the run to the FA Youth Cup semi-finals in 2007, scoring a memorable extra-time winner against Wycombe Wanderers in the third round at Underhill.
The following summer, after making an impact at the UEFA u-17 European Championships, he scored in pre-season for the first-team against Barnet, something he went on to do in each of the following two seasons.
His competitive first-team debut followed that season in the Carling Cup, coming on away to Sheffield United in the fourth round and then against Blackburn in the following round. However, Nacer’s evening at Ewood Park proved to be shortlived as he suffered a dislocated shoulder which kept him out for several months.
However, on his return to club action he continued his good form for the u-18s and the Reserves and continued to be on the periphery of Arsene Wenger’s first-team squad.
In the summer of 2008, following a decent pre-season which yielded goals against Barnet and Huddersfield, Nacer was sent on loan to Derby County. His spell at Pride Park proved to be a fruitful one, as he made 29 appearances in total, the majority of which came on the right-wing. He also scored his first professional goal whilst with the Rams, notching against Blackpool at home and also featured against Manchester United.
He then returned to Arsenal and continued his happy knack of scoring against Barnet, yet didn’t travel with the squad to Austria. This season he has the option to go out on loan again although, alternatively, he may be loaned out once more, possibly to a struggling Premier League club.
Born May 27, 1990
Signed scholarship Summer 2006
Signed professional Summer 2007
The next overmars/pires!
How likely is it that he could become part of the first team squad? Does he have what it takes?
Personally, I kinda like him and would like to see him get a chance in the first team, maybe coming on when we are in a comfortable lead or such, and see more of him in cc etc.
I don’t know enough about him to predict whether he’ll make it or not, but I hope he will.
U are New Pires And Berkamp
I have seen this boy a few times on TV – Setanta. He is a clever player. I am surprised that he is not used more often, in the reserves at least. If he gains confidence, he can make it to the top.