Arsenal U23s: A look back at who stood out in 2019-20

The Premier League remains in doubt, even with Tuesday’s news that UEFA is postponing the European Championships to 2021. That hiatus put a stop to the Arsenal U23s campaign as well and the final stretch of games for the young Gunners who are trying to make an impression ahead of the 2020-21 season.

With the slow down we thought it was a good opportunity to look back at this year’s Premier League 2 season to see which Arsenal players stood out. Who might be up for a senior team loan next year or a chance during the Arsenal preseason.

The Premier League 2 had completed 18 rounds before the halt, and the young Gunners were sitting in 6th place on 37 points. The team had been in a downturn when the action stopped, but overall several players were having solid years. Here is a quick run down of their stat leaders.

Goals:

• Folarin Balogun (10)
• Tyreece John-Jules (5)
• Nathan Tormey (4)
• Robbie Burton (3)
• Trae Coyle (2)

Assists:

• Trae Coyle (4)
• Matthew Smith (4)
• Folarin Balogun (3)
• Tyreece John-Jules (2)
• Emile Smith-Rowe (2)

Minutes:

• Trae Coyle (1,312)
• Harrison Clarke (1,228)
• Folarin Balogun (1,200)
• Nathan Tormey (1,162)
• Zak Swanson (1,149)

Starts:

• Trae Coyle (15)
• Folarin Balogun (13)
• Nathan Tormey (13)
• Zak Swanson (13)
• Robbie Burton (13)

Goals + Assists per 90 minutes:

• Folarin Balogun (0.97)
• Tyreece John-Jules (0.70)
• Sam Greenwood (0.67)
• Emile Smith-Rowe (0.66)
• Hector Bellerin (0.59)

Definitely some stand out names there that repeat across those categories. Folarin Balogun looks like he is ready for a step up next season. 10 goals, 3 assists in 13 games. A loan into League One or the Championship should be his most likely scenario, unless both Aubameyang and Lacazette move on the summer. If one stays and splits time with Martinelli and Nketiah up top, Balogun should look for senior experience elsewhere for a season.

Trae Coyle is the other standout who has been playing on the right wing for the U23s - leading the team in starts, minutes and assists. Considering he is 19 but has Pepe and Reiss Nelson ahead of him at that position, he may need a loan next season as well.

Robbie Burton moved on to Dinamo Zagreb II back in February, while Emile Smith-Rowe should feature for the senior squad more often next season. Tyreece John-Jules, Zak Swanson, and Harrison Clarke all appear to have first team potential in the future, but need another year getting regular time with the U23s next season.

Now leave us your thoughts on which players you think may break into the first team next, which need a loan move, and who needs another season with the U23s.