Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may give a chance to Matt Smith in the Europa League. He is currently training with the first-team squad.
However, he has not made an appearance for the first team. Although, he might get some game time due to the busy schedule of the team in the coming days.
THE FUTURE OF MATT SMITH AT ARSENAL
According to reports, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta might give a chance to Matt Smith in the Europa League matches. The official training photos have indicated that the midfielder was training with the first team. However, this is not the first time of his involvement. Mikel Arteta wants to keep the youngsters around the first team. This is to provide them with more encouragement in the training to do well.
Matt Smith is another youngster that has impressed Mikel Arteta. Hence, the midfielder’s name was there in the Europa League squad against Bodo/Glimt. He was even in the substitutes. However, the midfielder was an unused substitute. Although, the midfielder is training well to be involved with the first team of Arsenal. Hence, it looks like this was the reason for not loaning him out this season.
MIKEL ARTETA IS LOOKING TO ACTIVELY INVOLVE THE ACADEMY PLAYERS IN THE FIRST-TEAM
Mikel Arteta is looking to avoid the mistakes that are made by many managers of other clubs. The mistake is they use the academy very less and look to buy from the transfer market. However, this strategy is exposed when the players end up getting big moves in the future. Hence, Mikel Arteta is tapping into the Arsenal academy for brilliant stars of the future.
The Gunners can easily save millions by developing the academy stars. Mikel Arteta is also looking at the academy stars to help them increase squad depth. The squad depth will be helpful in competitions like Carabao Cup, Europa League, and FA Cup. This will also help Arteta rotate in these games. The rotation will then help keep the important players fit for the big games.
Matt Smith has spent time on loan at Swindon Town, Charlton Athletic, and Doncaster Rovers. However, the midfielder is currently playing for Arsenal’s youth side in the Premier League 2. However, his performances indicate he will be involved with the first team in the near future.
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