Archive post. With Carl Jenkinson scoring his first senior goal this weekend, we felt it was only right to dip into the archives and publish this article from our old site. Enjoy and share!
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With just 8 senior appearances for Charlton, a young Carl Jenkinson arrived at the Emirates in June 2011 for a fee of £1million. Many were surprised that such an inexperienced player could be second fiddle to Bacary Sagna, with the 19 year-old clearly off the pace in his first pre-season at his new club. What was clear though, was the teen’s love for Arsenal. His dad had been a season ticket holder for more than 40 years, with Carl also a regular figure at the Emirates and Highbury. It was literally a dream come true when he stepped out onto the Emirates turf and gazed up into the crowd from which he’d normally spectate.
Above is Jenkinson back in his old all Arsenal themed bedroom. The Essex youngster has lived and breathed the club his whole life. In another fairytale addition he holds Kanu’s old no. 25 jersey, one that he now wears.
What is particularly intriguing and inspiring for the average teenager is the meteoric rise of Carl Jenkinson. As Wenger said in his pre-match conference before the trip to the Etihad: “Carl has gone from Primary School to University level in the space of a year.” Let’s rewind a few years and take a little look at that Primary School student, Carl Jenkinson.
Jenkinson completed his first game for Charlton in the Football League Trophy Southern Section semi-final clash with Brentford at Griffin Park in December 2010, playing the whole match at right-back. Equally adept in the heart of the defence, Carl says his hero is Tony Adams and he hopes to follow in the Arsenal legends footsteps. Known for his versatility at youth level for Charlton, the 6ft 1 defender was courted by Wenger since 15, his work rate proving a key element in what caught Arsene’s eye. With no real International recognition and hardly a sniff in Charlton’s first team, many again questioned Wenger’s purchase. But you should never doubt Arsene.
Joining Charlton at the age of just 8, coach Powell held hopes that the young lad would continue his time at the club by signing a new long-term deal. However there was only one club that could persuade Jenkinson to do otherwise. Once the call from Wenger came in early June 2011, there was never any doubt. After the move was completed Charlton boss Chris Powell spoke out: “If he grows into the right-back we all feel he could be, we could be talking about a player playing at the highest level for a long time. I want to put on record how much I admire Carl as a player and, more importantly, as a young man,”.
Having gained 6 youth caps for Finland and having a Finnish mother, before his move to Arsenal the plan was to represent them. However with an English father and a youth cap for the Three Lions, he can still represent either nation, and with his current club form England could come calling. Interestingly Finalnd have already offered Carl a senior call up but he turned it down stating he would prefer to focus on his club football.
With Bacary Sagna twice being ruled out due to broken legs, Jenkinson has already notched 18 appearances for the Gunners, starting every game this season so far. This despite an injury to his back last season which put him out of action for 2 months in November 2011. However the 2012/13 Arsenal would bring out the best in Carl.
As the Gunners lined up against Manchester City Lukas Podolski and Aaron Ramsey took the left and right ‘wing’ positions. Before long we saw Arsenal yet again evolving into another ‘possession style’ formation. The wide players drifting in, creating more space for the full backs to attack and get forward. In the opening 6 games these men have been English duo Carl Jenkinson and Keiran Gibbs. Both had their doubters, but both youngsters have, so far given Arsenal a new leash of life out wide, and they’re doing it all by themselves.
Jenkinson has racked up some impressive stats after 5 Premier League games, with 2 goals conceded when he is playing the standout figure. Carl’s role in this defensive solidity should not be underestimated. Averaging 3.2 tackles a game, only Mikel Arteta (4.2) can boast more in the Arsenal squad.
After scoring his first senior goal for his boy-hood club, Carl Jenkinson must feel like he is riding the clouds right now. If he keeps his head down and continues this hard work, he could have a big future at the club. Do you think Jenkinson could be our first choice right-back next season? Comment below.
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Photo via Ronnie Macdonald