3. Isaac Hayden
Age: 19
Squad Number: 42
Preferred Position: Centre Back
19-year-old Hayden is no stranger to being in the Arsenal limelight, after captaining the Under-21 side throughout the 2013/14 campaign. Originally a defensive midfielder, Isaac played a number of games at centre back for the Gunners, where he took a commanding position and stood out.
Hayden was rewarded for his commitment by Wenger, who added him to the 30-man squad list for the first team’s Champions League, after signing a new contract. Wenger was quick to assure fans he has what it takes, with his main talking point being the intelligence he possesses at such a young age.
The Englishman isn’t short of playing time either, after representing England every year since U15 level. At 6ft 2in, he provides a good aerial threat for when Arsenal struggle at set pieces, but also carries a good pace which Mertesacker does not.
Out of all five of these players, Hayden has the most experience playing at centre back, which is a position currently taken by Nacho Monreal, who has been seen to struggle in recent games. Hayden would provide excellent back up for Koscielny, because he is a leader, and with that comes maturity. His love for Arsenal is shown in his commitment to the club, which makes a player twice as good in my eyes.
Is He Ready?
Hayden is ready-made for the position, it’s just the experience of first team football that he lacks. He has not yet been sent out on loan as a senior player, so may take time to adapt to the overwhelming nature of a big profile Premier League game.
After impressing in the League Cup, he won’t have too many chances to shine again after Arsenal were knocked out. But he is most definitely a player you will see in the future.