At a time when Arsenal fans would be wanting players of around the world-class calibre arriving in North London, the signing of a Finland youth international won’t exactly be met with excitement. But the youngster certainly has a bright future ahead of him…
What qualities does this player have then? I hear you ask. Well you’ll be unsurprised to know that he is in the mould of the traditional Arsenal player in recent years as his main talents are: an impressive touch, good technique, a good understanding of the game and an adaptability to play anywhere along the defensive line. But most importantly, he will always put in 100% since Arsenal has been his favourite club since a boy; a thing that can’t be said about the majority of the Arsenal team.
- Carl Jenkinson playing for Charlton
Anybody would be suspicious if somebody who had a name as English as “Carl Jenkinson” was playing for Finland, but he qualifies through his Finnish mother. Jenkinson could play for the Three Lions, but after representing England U17 once in 2008 and then changing his allegiance to Finland in 2010 it look likes Scandinavia is where his international future lies.
It is not the first time Jenkinson has been linked with a big club, in 2009 at the tender age of 17 he was linked with Manchester United with a rumoured £500,000 transfer on the cards, but that never materialised. Arsene Wenger has also been rumoured to be a long time admirer of Jenkinson and was delighted to get his man after being in pursuit of him for a couple of years, which is proved by this quote from Wenger himself: “We were watching Carl for some time and he is a player with great talent and natural defensive ability, but also a powerful player who likes to go forward,”.
Last season was Jenkinson’s first in Charlton’s first team, making a total of 8 appearances for the Addicks in his short career and he made 4 appearances on loan at Eastbourne Borough last year proving that inexperience could be an issue. But despite his lack of first team experience, Arsenal fans will sure hope he produces the goods…
Here is is first interview as an Arsenal player:
