Arsenal U18s are very fortunate in that the two goalkeepers in their squad – Jack Porter and Khari Ranson – are both excellent prospects.
Porter has already hit the headlines as he became the youngest ever goalkeeper to play for the Arsenal first-team when he featured against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.
Ranson was the third-choice goalkeeper on that occasion and will hope that he too will eventually get the opportunity to represent the senior side despite the strong competition that he will face.
A player who progressed through the ranks at Hale End, Ranson first gained wider recognition in 2022 when he featured for England U16s, which included him saving two penalties in a shootout on his debut against Turkey.
Ranson still remains a penalty-saving expert, as he demonstrated when playing for Arsenal U18s recently as he saved a spot-kick against Chelsea.
The 17-year-old is very much a modern goalkeeper in that he is excellent with his feet and is capable of initiating attacks with regularity.
So far this season Ranson has featured seven times for the U18s, while he has also played for the U21s on three occasions and made an appearances in the UEFA Youth League.
Getting ahead of Porter, who is very highly rated by Arsenal, will certainly be a challenging task, but Ranson will be determined to show what he is capable of.
Ranson recently featured for England U18s for the first time as he was involved against France and he will now hope for further chances for Arsenal at U18 level and perhaps beyond.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird