Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
Having made two appearances for the Reserves already this season,
Jay Emmanual-Thomas hopes that 2007/08 will be a major stepping
stone in his promising career.
The versatile 16-year-old put in a man-of-the-match showing against
Portsmouth on Monday, dominating the midfield in a way Arsenal fans
will have likened to former captain Patrick Vieira.
"I do my fair share of the work at both ends," Emmanuel-Thomas told
Arsenal.com. "I am more of an attack-minded midfielder though,
scoring or setting up others."
The midfielder finished the 2006/07 campaign with a last-minute
equaliser against eventual champions Reading on only his fourth
appearance for the second-string. Following his impressive start to
the new season the youngster fully intends to keep adding to his
tally for Neil Banfield's side.
"I'm happy to be in the Reserves, but I can still play for the
Under-18s," said Emmanuel-Thomas. "As long as I keep playing at
this level though, and against stronger opponents, my game will get
better."