Arsene Wenger full of praise for young duo
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised youngsters Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Henri Lansbury ahead of his team's league cup tie against Newcastle United on Wednesday, 27 October.
Wenger, who has been known to give his young players a run in the league cup in recent years, opted to start a more experienced side when Arsenal entered the competition against Tottenham on 21 September.
But ahead of Wednesday's fourth-round encounter with Newcastle, Wenger praised the talents of his younger players, several of whom are vying for a starting place in the game.
"Jay is knocking very hard on my door - with two hands. He has outstanding quality," the Frenchman told Arsenal
TV Online about Emmanuel-Thomas. "He works very hard to get his fitness right. When his fitness is right, Jay will be not only a good player, but a great player."
The 19-year-old, who plays on the wing or as a striker, was praised for his eye for goals. Wenger added that it's up to the player himself to fulfill his potential for the London club.
"One thing is for sure — he can score goals. That is a massive talent you cannot give to people, his right foot, left foot, he is unbelievable in front of goal. This guy is an unbelievable finisher, inside and outside of the box. He has outstanding qualities,
he has the build you dream to have. It is down to how far he wants to go because he has big potential."
Lansbury earns Ray Parlour comparison
Wenger also spoke about Lansbury, who earned his first Arsenal start and scored his first goal for the team in the league cup victory over Tottenham.
Likening him to Ray Parlour, the toiling midfielder who played for Wenger between 1996 and 2004, the manager praised the fighting spirit of the 20-year-old.
"I like Henri very much, because of his quality, because of his attitude, his desire and determination. He is a Ray Parlour type, a guy who has a good team attitude, goes for the challenges, has an endless engine and has the timing to get into the box and
finish, he has shown that at Spurs."
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