By Matt Farr
Arsenal fans have urged Arsene Wenger on Twitter to hand Rob Holding more opportunities in the first team after another good performance for the Under-23s.
The 21-year-old was one of the standout performers for Arsenal’s Under-23 side during their impressive 4-1 victory over Chelsea on Friday.
The defender finished the game with a goal and an assist, and Arsenal fans were delighted with his display.
However, he has found first-team opportunities at the club limited following his summer move from Bolton, having appeared just 10 times in all competitions.
But after his impressive showing against Chelsea, fans have now taken to Twitter to urge Wenger to grant him more first-team action in the coming weeks.
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Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:
Rob Holding end product masterclass. One goal and one assist as a CB. Wenger needs to realize he's the best defender at the club.
— Joga🏝 (@TakeaBowPires) February 24, 2017
Rob Holding is so good, should be starting in place of Mustafi. Honestly he has everything needed to be a top centre back, just needs games
— Ismael (@TheSuperGooner) February 24, 2017
Rob Holding is a future @Arsenal star. What a player he is! #AFCU23
— Mike Needham (@MikeNeedham49) February 24, 2017
Look all I'm sayin is maybe Rob Holding should start the rest of the season with Laurent… 🤔
— Gabby (@MsSmartBarbie) February 24, 2017
Rob Holding is way too good for this level.
He's also way too good to not start for us over Mustafi *runs*
— Arsepostate (@hahostolze) February 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/JTPollard10/status/835128068620578817
Rob Holding was superb against Chelsea's U23s today. I hope he will get more opportunities for our first team in future. A real talent.
— Not a football account (@1886_blog) February 24, 2017
Arsenal’s appreciation for Holding comes as little surprise since the player has settled in very well at the Emirates this season – despite his lack of action.
However, the calls for the youngster to replace Shkodran Mustafi in the starting line-up does raise a few questions.
The 24-year-old has been a formidable asset to the club since his arrival in the summer, and his new partnership with Laurent Koscielny is considered solid.
Until a poor recent run of results, Mustafi was considered an undroppable member of the first-team squad.
Nevertheless, both Arsene Wenger and the fans will be encouraged by the squad’s strength in depth, something that has been cause for concern in recent seasons.
In other Arsenal news, one of the club’s biggest Premier League rivals is set to do battle with a European heavyweight for the signature of his prized asset.
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