According to a recent report by Football.London, Arsenal centre-back Rob Holding is expected to earn some game time on the pitch while representing the club’s Under-21 side against Northampton Town in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night. The English defender had to endure a long road to recovery after he sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Manchester United back in December last year (via Football.London).
Rob Holding’s Incredible Rise To The Top Of English Football
Holding began his playing career at Bolton Wanderers before coming through the club’s youth ranks. He made his debut for the Wanderers back in 2015 and impressed a lot of people with his solid defensive performances on the field. The Gunners decided to secure his services in the summer of 2016.
Since making a switch to the Emirates Stadium, Holding has featured in a total of 60 matches for Arsenal and has one goal to his name so far. On the defensive end, the English talent made an average of 1.1 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 3.7 clearances per game in the English top-flight last season (stats via whoscored).
What Are Holding’s Best Attributes?
Holding is a reliable presence at the back and can make some vital interceptions for his side when defending inside his own half. He can also win a lot of aerial challenges because he has a strong frame which enables him to command his box with authority and conviction.
Arsenal have already conceded five goals in their opening three matches of this Premier League campaign. Hence, the early signs indicate that they have not been able to improve defensively with David Luiz in their team.
Holding Set To Return: Huge Boost For Emery?
Unai Emery will now have the option of selecting Holding ahead of Luiz as the English defender has all the skillset required to establish himself as a regular starter at North London. The Gunners need more competition at the back if they are to turn things around for the better at the defensive end of the field.
Overall, there is no doubt that Holding’s return to action will be a massive boost for Emery and his chances of having a successful season at the Emirates in the 2019-20 campaign.
