Arsenal’s defense remains intact so far this season. But ahead of this weekend’s titanic clash against Liverpool, fans are hoping the Gunners’ back line will remain strong.
This is because defender Carl Jenkinson is expected to make his debut in top-flight English football. Arsene Wenger is known for putting his trust in young players. A few years ago, the Frenchman gave an opportunity for Kieran Gibbs to feature in the UEFA Champions League for the first time.
Unfortunately for Arsenal supporters, the youngster succumbed against the power of Cristiano Ronaldo and co as Wenger’s side lost to Manchester United in the semis. But Phil Parkinson believes that Carl Jenkinson will not experience a bad English Premier League debut. The ex-Charlton coach, who helped teenager Carl to develop as a player, told Goal.com:
“I am certain that Carl will be relishing his Premier League debut and I can say with a degree of confidence that he will not let anyone down.
“As a footballer, Carl has all the tools that you need to do well at the highest level but he also has the sort of personality that means he will not be daunted by the challenge in front of him.”
Carl Jenkinson will have to help Arsenal control the aggressiveness of top Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. But this doesn’t stand as an obstacle, according to Phil who continued:
“There are some players that are great on the training ground but struggle when it comes to competitive action but Carl is definitely not in that category.
“Carl will be keen to show Arsenal fans that he is a fantastic prospect for the future but he will also try to produce a performance that will show Arsene Wenger that he deserves to keep his first-team place.”
Carl Jenkinson experienced a successful debut in competitive football with Arsenal earlier in midweek. He was a used substitute in the Gunners' 1-0 win over Udinese in the UEFA Champions League first leg playoffs.
Unfortunately for Arsenal supporters, the youngster succumbed against the power of Cristiano Ronaldo and co as Wenger’s side lost to Manchester United in the semis. But Phil Parkinson believes that Carl Jenkinson will not experience a bad English Premier League debut. The ex-Charlton coach, who helped teenager Carl to develop as a player, told Goal.com:
“I am certain that Carl will be relishing his Premier League debut and I can say with a degree of confidence that he will not let anyone down.
“As a footballer, Carl has all the tools that you need to do well at the highest level but he also has the sort of personality that means he will not be daunted by the challenge in front of him.”
Carl Jenkinson will have to help Arsenal control the aggressiveness of top Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. But this doesn’t stand as an obstacle, according to Phil who continued:
“There are some players that are great on the training ground but struggle when it comes to competitive action but Carl is definitely not in that category.
“Carl will be keen to show Arsenal fans that he is a fantastic prospect for the future but he will also try to produce a performance that will show Arsene Wenger that he deserves to keep his first-team place.”
Carl Jenkinson experienced a successful debut in competitive football with Arsenal earlier in midweek. He was a used substitute in the Gunners' 1-0 win over Udinese in the UEFA Champions League first leg playoffs.
