Theo Julienne’s midfield display offers encouragement for Arsenal U21s

It can be difficult to draw too many conclusions from pre-season fixtures, especially at U21 level given the fact that lineups are often vastly different to what will be seen when the real action gets underway.

Zac Shuaib, for instance, impressed for Arsenal U21s in a friendly against Enfield Town last year but didn’t end up playing a competitive game at that level and was eventually released.

However, another midfielder in Theo Julienne could be set for a bright future if his display against Boreham Wood yesterday is anything to go by.

Arsenal have a lot of faith in Julienne – that much was clear from the fact that he was the first player from last season’s scholarship intake to progress to professional terms.

Julienne made his competitive debut for the U21s against Tottenham Hotspur last season and probably would have added further appearances at that level had he not suffered an injury.

The 17-year-old is also capable of making an impact when deployed at right-back but it seems evident that his future lies in midfield.

Against Boreham Wood Julienne demonstrated his ability both to break up play and also to push forwards to excellent effect.

Interim U21s coach Max Porter has previously praised Julienne and if he gets the job permanently then the prospect could be one of the key stars in his team this season despite the fact that he is still eligible to play for the U18s.

Julienne will hope that yesterday’s display will be a sign of things to come for him this campaign.