‘Ones to watch in 2010′ – Jay Emmanuel Thomas

As yet another youngster arrives off the Arsenal treadmill of youth talent this season; Jay Emmanuel Thomas could offer Arsene Wenger much needed steel to his Arsenal side.

The 19yr old Arsenal midfielder was spotted by the Gunners aged 7 after being seen by an Arsenal scout whilst playing for his father’s team. By 2007 at aged just 16, Thomas became the Arsenal under 18’s captain and signed professional papers with the club by 2008. Thomas is highly rated among the management at Arsenal and his 6ft 2in frame and core strength could see him moulded into the new Abou Diaby. Thomas shares much of the same qualities as the French international midfielder, great touch, athletic and can score goals. Thomas is strong, combative and takes no prisoners. What does seem clear is that Arsenal fans rate his talent highly but with such a limited number of places within an already hugely talented squad brimming with the likes of Andrei Arshavin, Thomas Rosicky, Cesc Fabregas, Abou Diaby and Alexandre Song for example, where and when will Thomas get his chance?

The England under 21 international spent the first half of this season on loan at Ian Holloway’s resurgent Blackpool in the Championship. With 11 appearances and 2 goals to his name for the North West Coast side, Thomas gained some valuable first team action. Thomas said of his first appearance for Ian Holloway’s men to the Blackpool Gazette ‘It was great and I enjoyed it. I’ve come to Blackpool to prove that I can play against men who are older and perhaps stronger than me, and that I can handle myself without any problems. Hopefully it will be good for me and will help me.’

A return back to Arsenal in January saw Thomas or JET as the Gunners faithful refer to him gain his Arsenal first team debut in the FA Cup 4th round tie against Stoke City at the Britannia stadium. It was not the happiest of debuts for the youngster with Arsenal losing 3-1 and JET being substituted after 66 minutes.

What Thomas does have in his locker is versatility; he can play central midfield, left back, left wing or even striker. This holds him in good stead with any manager, having a player that can operate in all these positions provides valuable cover which may allow Arsene Wenger to use him more often than many of the other vast array of youth talent that Arsenal currently hold. What is clear is the Jay Emmanuel Thomas is a talented player with much ability that harnessed and applied correctly could make it as Premiership footballer. Yet the just turned 19yr old is at one of them most competitive teams in the world for places. He is surrounded by young protégés who are all individually heralded as amazing talents waiting to break out. He will have to get his head down, work hard and take whatever limited opportunities he gains under Wenger. He has not helped his cause recently having been stopped and arrested by Police earlier this month after failing to stop when being signalled. Arsene Wenger’s view upon the incident will not be positive but Thomas is still young and has much to learn.