Former Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has opened up about three young talents he was certain would become first-team stars during his eight-year spell in north London, only to see their careers take unexpected turns.
Guendouzi: The Right Player at the Wrong Time
Matteo Guendouzi arrived at Arsenal from Lorient in 2018 and immediately impressed, making 48 appearances in his debut season. The Spanish full-back, who won three FA Cups with the club, believed the French midfielder had all the attributes to succeed.
"He was a really good number six who ran a lot, and was very good with the ball," Monreal told Ladbrokes. However, he pinpointed timing as the crucial factor, stating Guendouzi "came in at a really difficult moment for the football club." The midfielder's relationship with manager Mikel Arteta deteriorated, leading to his eventual departure.
High Hopes for Prolific Academy Striker
The second player highlighted by Monreal is striker Chuba Akpom. Currently on loan at Ipswich Town from Ajax, Akpom was a standout in Arsenal's youth setup. Monreal admitted he "definitely expected a bit more from him" given his extraordinary talent in training.
"When he came up from the reserves, I think we all saw something special in this guy," Monreal recalled. "He was tall, he was fast, and even though he was so young and playing with some huge names, it all just looked so easy to him." Despite a successful spell at Middlesbrough where he was named Championship Player of the Season, Akpom never broke through at the Emirates.
A Surprising Case of a Defensive Talent
Perhaps the most surprising name on Monreal's list is defender Ignasi Miquel. The centre-back made 14 first-team appearances for Arsenal but now plays in Spain's second tier with Leganes. Monreal remains baffled that Miquel didn't establish himself at a higher level.
"It was always a surprise to me," Monreal said. "I thought, 'OK, if he’s not going to have a career here, he’ll find another club at a high level', because he was aggressive, he was strong, he was good with the ball."
Now working as an agent following his retirement, Monreal's insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the unpredictable journey of young footballers, even those blessed with undeniable talent at a club renowned for its academy like Arsenal.
