In the late 2000s, Jack Wilshere was emerging as one of Arsenal’s biggest talents in years, and he wasn’t the only player in the academy that looked destined for big things.
A number of other hot prospects were on the pitch with him during the U21s match between the North London club and Aston Villa in November of 2009.
Here’s what they all went on to do…
Note: Strictly speaking, this wasn’t Wilshere’s final appearance for Arsenal’s Under-21s. He made a series of appearances for the youth set-up as he looked to regain fitness in his mid-20s. We’re counting this one as his final U21s match as a youth prospect, despite it coming after his senior debut.
GK: Lukasz Fabianski
At the time of this match, Fabianski was the senior side’s backup goalkeeper, and he couldn’t establish himself as Arsene Wenger’s first-choice during his time at the club. Since leaving North London in 2014 though, he’s done well for himself.
He spent four years between the sticks at Swansea and impressed at that time, being named the 2017-18 Player of the Season.
West Ham took note of his performances, signing him for £7m shortly afterwards, and he’s been their number-one keeper ever since.
RB: Kerrea Gilbert
Gilbert spent the first few years of his career going around the lower leagues of English football, being sent on loan to Cardiff, Southend, Leicester and Peterborough between 2005 and 2010.
He fancied a change of scenery after that and agreed to join MLS side Portland Timbers, but visa issues prevented him from crossing the pond.
Instead, he joined Veovil for a season before spending short spells at Shamrock Rovers, Maidenhead United and St Albans.
The defender left the latter club in 2014 at the age of 27 and hasn’t played competitively since.
CB: Kyle Bartley
Bartley looked set to become a permanent member of Arsenal’s senior squad when he made his debut in a Champions League match this same year, but Wenger never really took a liking to him, sending him out on loan to Sheffield United and Rangers.
After the latter of those spells ended in 2012, the defender signed for Swansea, but after just a year in Wales, he was shipped on loan by them too, first to Birmingham and then to Leeds.
In 2018, he finally found a club that wanted to keep him around long-term when he signed for West Brom. He still plays for the side today and has made 153 appearances, including 30 in their 2020-21 Premier League campaign.
CB: Craig Eastmond
Eastmond made his…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Football365…