The involvement of Calum Chambers meant that Julio Pleguezuelo had to fill in at right-back for Arsenal U21s last night- certainly not his preferred position- but the Spaniard still coped well and played his part as the young Gunners edged closer to the top tier.
As captain, Pleguezuelo will be determined to lead his side to victory against Aston Villa in next week’s play-off final, but, approaching the end of his third season at the club, now seems to be the time for the former Barcelona prospect to make the step up to senior football in some capacity.
Although not the tallest, the centre-back is quick and an excellent reader of the game, whilst, as you would expect from a La Masia graduate, he is superb technically.
Pleguezuelo’s performances during his first couple of campaigns with Arsenal were almost flawless, but this season his form wavered a little as he made some avoidable errors.
On last night’s evidence, however, the prospect is back to his best and earning promotion would be a fitting way to conclude the season and, perhaps, his involvement at this level.
Pleguezuelo has regularly partnered Krystian Bielik at the back for Arsenal’s youth sides this campaign, but at present it is the latter who seems closer to the first-team set-up.
As a consequence Pleguezuelo may well be sent out on loan next season and the 19-year-old will be determined to make a stellar impact as he seeks to join his compatriot Hector Bellerin in the first-team.
For now, though, Pleguezuelo’s focus will be on ensuring that the U21s earn promotion, even if he might not be playing at that level himself next season.
Jeorge Bird's Arsenal Youth 
Personally I think some lads are promoted to first team football too soon. I would just love it if epl u21 teams could play in the football league or at the very least in the league cup or Johnstone paint trophy.
For next season i see no reason why players born 1996 and 97 can’t play u21 football. I understand those born 95 really need to show themselves on loan as they are truly almost in last chance saloon.
But iwobi has proven, this season that if your good enough you are old enough and has not needed to go on loan.
“Superb technically”? nowhere near
Daily star running an article about potential sacking of jonker and van look following the departure of de kat. Also say the experiment has failed. Last week on here I was told I know nothing about football by some called “djeezus” who went on to say it was a strategic 10 year plan or something like that? well hopefully he will apologise now or at least accept that football writers, scouts and voucher within the game might just know a little more than him.
Getting a strong feeling that Henry, Bergkamp, and even arteta might get some involvement next season after all. I also wouldn’t rule out stojkovic, de boer or overmars.
You have the wrong person, atid. I didn’t even comment on the article you are referring to.
Hope you aren’t holding a grudge against me.
Powerslave I think is the person you are referring to. Xxx 😍
Think you have the wrong person atid 😙
I didn’t even post of the article in question (who replaces De Kat) 😅
Hope you aren’t holding a grudge or something atid.
Well, hopefully you will apologise now 😍
Oh, the first two comments have turned up now – now I look a bit mental.