Arsenal U21s are in the midst of a lengthy Winter break which won’t see them play a competitive game again until January.
This, then, appears to be the perfect time to assess the season so far and predict what could be next for some members of the squad.
As has been well documented, it hasn’t been a good campaign for the U21s to date in terms of results, with the club currently in 14th place out of 29 teams in Premier League 2, while they were also knocked out of the EFL Trophy in the group stages.
There have been concerns about coaching and the decision to bring in David Horseman to oversee EFL Trophy and U19 matches while Max Porter has remained in charge for U21 league games.
However, there have still been some encouraging individual performances.
**Charles Sagoe Jr** has five goals and five assists in eleven games across Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy. The winger certainly seems ready for a step up to senior football and it is hoped that he will be able to secure a move soon.
**Louie Copley** has been the regular captain of the team and the hard-working midfielder was also the extra man for the first-team against Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
**Marcell Washington**, meanwhile, has established himself as the main left-back for the U21s and has also posed an attacking threat at times.
**Osman Kamara** and **Seb Ferdinand** are facing a crucial season in terms of their development as they look to earn new contracts, although the signing of **Archie Stevens** has added to the competition for places out wide.
**Josh Nichols** is one of the most experienced players at U21 level but there have been times when he has been overlooked for younger players for the U21s and U19s, especially when Horseman has been in charge. It must be stressed, though, that Nichols has often performed well when called upon.
**Demiane Agustien** has shown glimpses of his ability after joining in the summer, with the midfielder still searching for consistency, while **Harrison Dudziak** has continued to gain experience at U21 level.
**Brayden Clarke** and **Will Sweet** have both been involved in defence although left-back **Cam’ron Ismail**, somewhat strangely, hasn’t played after signing professional terms in the summer.
**Remy Mitchell** has provided cover in goal and has been called into action on two occasions. **Alexei Rojas** has again mainly been training with the first-team.
First-team squad members Tommy Setford and Max Dowman have also featured for the U21s at times.
As is often the case, the most exciting aspect of the U21 season so far has been the impact made by those stepping up from the U18s.
**Andre Harriman-Annous** has played twice for the first-team and has continued to be the main striker for the U21s.
Centre-back **Marli Salmon** will also hope that his first-team debut isn’t too far away.
The biggest success story of the season so far has perhaps been **Ife Ibrahim**. The midfielder hadn’t played competitively for the U21s before this campaign but is now established as the main defensive midfielder at that level.
Goalkeepers **Jack Porter** and **Khari Ranson** have also had game time for the U21s.
There has also been some involvement with the U21s from other U18 players, including: **Callan Hamill, Theo Julienne, Josh Ogunnaike, Josiah King, Brando Bailey-Joseph, Teshaun Murisa** and schoolboy **Kyran Thompson.**
It is hoped that these players and others will get more chances with the U21s in the second half of the season. Sagoe Jr and Nichols are amongst the older players who could perhaps secure moves in January.