Arsenal Football Club have a strong reputation when it comes to nurturing talented youngsters, some of whom later go on to make the so called "final grade" in professional football. Arsenal's London Colney training base is home to some incredibly talented prodigies who, by the looks of things, have what it takes to play for the club in the near future.
Arsenal's youth academy is considered to be amongst the best in World Football. The Gunners have established an excellent scouting network through which they recognize and sign the best young talent out there, who have the potential and desire required to make the cut.
Thomas Eisfeld, Gedion Zelalem, Chuba Akpom, Hector Bellerin, Jon Toral are just some names who have the attributes required to play for a club like Arsenal and are likely to get chances in the first team soon.
One new name in this list is Julio Pleguezelo. The 17-year-old Spanish defender was signed by Arsenal in 2013 from Barcelona's famous 'La Masia' youth academy. Arsenal's recent La Masia acquisitions include midfielder Jon Toral along with defenders Hector Bellerin and Ignasi Miguel. The Arsenal staff rate Pleguezelo very highly and have quite some expectations from him.
As far as Pleguezelo’s playing characteristics are concerned, he’s a very reliable defender who’s a supreme reader of the game. The Spaniard is quite versatile as he operates at centre-back but can also fill in at right-back, when required. Also, Pleguezelo is a dependable player when on the ball.
Pleguezelo is a defender who’s game is much more mature than the players of his age. The player is ready and is expected to train with the first team from this season. A loan deal next year would be ideal for his development but for now, he’s a player who’s shown enough quality to be promoted to the first team squad.
Judging by the talent and potential of Julio Pleguezelo, Arsenal have quite a prospect upcoming through the ranks. A player who could surprise many.