There was some concern when the summer transfer window closed and it seemed that Maldini Kacurri would be spending the first half of the season with Arsenal’s U21 squad.
The tough-tackling centre-back appeared to have surpassed that level some time ago and is certainly much stronger physically than many of the other players in Premier League 2.
Thankfully in September Kacurri secured a loan move to National League side Morecambe and matters have gone well so far, at least for him individually.
Although Morecambe are languishing near the bottom of the table, Kacurri has benefited hugely from regular game time and was named his club’s player of the month for October.
Kacurri is now a regular in the starting lineup for Morecambe and bounced back well after receiving a red card against Truro City earlier in the season.
With his loan spell due to come to an end in January it will be interesting to see what the next step is for the 20-year-old, who has been capped by Albania at senior level.
Kacurri’s loan at Morecambe could potentially be extended but Arsenal also have the option to loan him out to a club at a higher level or perhaps sell him.
With his contract due to expire next summer a decision will soon need to be made on Kacurri’s long-term future in any case but he is certainly developing well and has the right mentality to impress in senior football.
Last season Kacurri, who signed for Arsenal as an U16 player, made his senior debut for the Gunners against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup. He also made three appearances while on loan at Bromley.
—
Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird