Sanchez is the name hot on the lips of every Arsenal fan at the moment, but few will remember former Gunner Sanchez Watt. Now plying his trade with League one side Colchester United, Watt is looking for a strong campaign as he looks to try to work his way back to the top.
Watt joined Arsenal at the age of 8 and was part of the group that went on to win the FA Youth Cup in 2009. He was one of the key players in the campaign, his pace and trickery causing no end of damage. His goal threat also played a big part in Arsenal’s march to victory, as he netted twice at home to Manchester United in the Semi, before scoring home and away in the Final against Liverpool.
Adding Cup victory with the Youth side to his impressive performances with the reserves, Watt was rewarded with his first professional contract in 2008 and soon after he went on to make his debut for the first-team. His first appearance came against West Brom in the League Cup and it was a fine start, as he netted a goal, joining a select group of players to have found the net in their first game for the club.
Soon after a loan moved followed, and Watt linked up with Southend United, before moving to Leeds on a temporary basis towards the end of the 09/10 season. He impressed at Elland Road and in the following campaign he made a season-long switch to Yorkshire. When called upon the youngster performed admirably, but generally it was a frustrating and injury ravaged season.
In the 11/12 campaign, Watt was again on the move. This time he went out on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Crawley Town. He struggled to settle at either club though scoring only twice in 18 combined league appearances for both sides. In 12/13, entering the last year of his Arsenal deal Watt moved on a three-month loan to Colchester United. Alongside his good friend Craig Eastmond, Watt did well and made the move permanent soon after. Last term he played 23 times in an injury hit season, scoring three times.
At the age of 23 Watt is slowly starting to show some of the rich potential he had at Arsenal. An injury free season is what he needs and if he can continue developing and learning his trade in League 1, then few would bet against seeing him competing at a higher level soon.