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Ranking Arsenal’s summer signings

By Roy Emanuel

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal before a training session at London Colney on October 31, 2016 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal before a training session at London Colney on October 31, 2016 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 25: Rob Holding of Arsenal during the EFL Cup fourth round match between Arsenal and Reading at Emirates Stadium on October 25, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 25: Rob Holding of Arsenal during the EFL Cup fourth round match between Arsenal and Reading at Emirates Stadium on October 25, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images) /

Rob Holding

Arsenal have normally had a very busy fixture schedule over recent years. UEFA Champions League and domestic cup commitments bring a strong need for depth at various positions. With that fact in mind and an eye on a future defensive starter, Rob Holding was signed from Bolton Wanderers in July.

Coming up through the Bolton academy and youth system, a loan move to bitter rivals Bury gave Holding his professional debut in early 2015. Back with the Trotters last season, the 21-year old defender was voted Bolton Player of the Season despite the club’s relegation to League One.

Holding possesses great vision and an excellent touch on the ball. He can offer an option moving forward in attack with long passes and understands positioning well for such a young player. Holding played in pre-season friendlies and it seemed he would have an opportunity for minutes in his first campaign in North London.

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Arsenal had several difficulties with their backline early in the season with injuries and fitness issues after Euro 2016. Holding has featured in three Premier League matches thus far but has not taken part as much recently. Four tackles and 17 clearances in those three matches are positive signs and Wenger will want to see Holding continue to develop his defensive skills.

Holding was called up to the England U-21 squad this year as well as he continues to develop into a solid player for Arsenal’s future.

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