Former Arsenal midfielder Ray parlour feels that th club can attain greatness again if they manage to hold their younger talents. The Gunners have done reasonably well under the tutelage of manager Mikel Arteta and the youngster have been at the forefront with their daring performances.
Starting from players like Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith-Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli to Aaron Ramsdale in goal, Arsenal are a team filled with talented youngsters. These players have already proven their worth at the Premier League and Parlour feels that they can take the Gunners back to where they belong.
The North London based outfit is currently in top four in the points table. But they are far off from challenging for the title. But Parlour feels that things will change if Arsenal can manage to hold onto their youngsters.
“I look at the young team [at Arsenal], they can develop and keep improving. You know what the hardest thing is going to be? It’s keeping the players. You know [what’s happened] over the years. Saka must be on people’s radar all day long, a big side like Manchester City must be looking at him going, ‘he’ll improve our side.’
Saka recently scored against Manchester City in their heartbreaking 2-1 defeat. Other than him midfielder Emile Smith-Row has been also been immense this season. He is surely the future of Arsenal and England national team.
“[Emile] Smith Rowe, I know he didn’t start, but he’s improved so much. [Martin] Odegaard looks a different player now, he’s really enjoying his football. If you look at it, the age groups of every single player is very, very healthy,” Parlour continued.
Although, it is a long way off the former Gunners midfielder has shared a very logical feeling. The youngsters are the backbone of this Arsenal team and their only route to go toe to toe against the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.
“If they can stick together and improve together then they can get closer to teams like Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, but they are still a long way off that at the moment,” Parlour told talkSPORT.
Arsenal’s main test will be during transfer windows as the North London team have a history of selling their talented players to rivals.
