This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Leeds United fans have been worried about one thing over the past few weeks.
Indeed, the United fanbase have been frenzied about the prospect of Eddie Nketiah being recalled by Arsenal in January.
They have every right to be worried as well.
Nketiah has complained about his lack of game time since his loan move, and he’s yet to start a league match for the Yorkshire club despite scoring once every 88.3 minutes on average in the Championship this term.
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However, a recent article by David Ornstein in The Athletic revealed that Arsenal don’t have any plans to recall the striker – something that should serve as a huge boost for the west Yorkshire outfit.
Indeed, the article states that Arsenal believe Leeds is the perfect environment for the striker to prepare for his eventual life in the Premier League, and they’re not wrong.
If we’re being honest, Leeds are one of the biggest clubs outside the top-flight.
Elland Road is one of the only stadiums outside of the Premier League that forces players to feel the type of pressures they would feel at a big six club.
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The ground is always packed out with passionate supporters, and expectations are as high as ever in a ground that has the highest average attendance.
High expectancy will also be the case when Nketiah returns to Arsenal, so getting experience in front of a huge crowd that expects a lot will certainly help his development.
Bristol City are apparently the alternative, and with all due respect, the atmosphere at Ashton Gate doesn’t come close to rivalling the noise at Elland Road.
Not only that, but this allows Nketiah to play under a manager who was once heralded as the best coach in the world by Pep Guardiola.
If that doesn’t prepare you for football at an elite level, nothing will. After all, Bielsa is someone who hands regular chances to young players too. That can be seen by the ten individuals under the age of 21 he gave minutes to as of last January.
Leeds is certainly one of the best clubs in the country for a young player to develop at the moment, and it’s good to see that Arsenal realise that as well.
Despite rarely starting, he’s on the right path.
