Arsenal U17s are currently participating in the Shanghai Future Star Cup and they made it to the final of the competition yesterday as they overcame the hosts on penalties following a 2-2 draw in normal time.
Abraham Owusu-Gyasi scored the decisive spot-kick and the defender will be aware that this is a very important season in terms of his overall development.
Owusu-Gyasi, who can play at right-back or centre-back, is entering the second and final year of his scholarship contract but isn’t yet guaranteed to be given a professional deal thereafter.
The 17-year-old’s versatility could help him to get opportunities for Arsenal at U18 level this season despite coach Adam Birchall being able to call upon various players in both positions.
Owusu-Gyasi is strong physically and reads the game well, while he has also previously been on the fringes of Arsenal’s U21 and U19 squads.
Earning an extended stay at the club certainly won’t be straightforward but it is an achievable objective and Owusu-Gyasi will be determined to succeed in that regard.
Arsenal U17s will be eager to secure silverware when they face the China FA in tomorrow’s final.
However, they will be wary of the fact that China won 3-2 when the sides faced each other in the opening group game earlier this week.
Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird