Abu Ogogo, The Reserves Most Under-Rated Player

Picture Copyright Young Guns

Often in the Reserves its the free-scoring strikers, or the classy play-makers who catch the attention of the fans, with in in recent years very little coverage of the Gunners second string being available unless you are able to get to the games, or the attacking moments, shown on the clubs official website via subscription Arsenal.com.

But with the club now showing all the Reserves games on the brand Arsenal TV channel many of the fans are starting to not only watch more of the games, but also appreciate the more defensive players, and the overall style and play of the lesser known players in the system.

One of the under rated players has to be Abu Ogogo, he like Kieran Gibbs, and James Dunne came from the Wimbeldon Academy when they disbanded and became Milton Keynes Dons, but Arsenal in-fact spotted him playing for Fulham, where he came on a six week trial, and impressed, and was promptly snapped up.

He started of as a striker, known for his superb pace and power, but slowly, he was dropped back , to a right winger where he played most of his football during his time at Hale End, and then a right back where over the past two seasons he has been a regular, both at Reserves and Under 18s level, forcing Paul Rodgers to play Central defence, but the 18 year old admits he enjoys being a right back, speaking with Arsenal.com he said:

“I think it was the responsibility of the position that appealed to me.”

Ogogo is well known as the “joker” of the Youth team, and is one of the most popular players in the Reserves, but also his ability of a footballer merits his place in the side, after honing his defensive qualities, strong and tough tackling, Abu’s skills as a defender are one thing but because of his former attacking background, he offers a brilliant option going forward

In September 2007, Abu signed a two year professional contract, but despite his excellent performances the Epsom born player did not expected it:

“To say I was surprised is an understatement” smiles Abu. “I got a two year professional contract and so did the other two lads

“We were all so pleased and so relieved. We were all expecting to wait until next year for a decision, but now that we know, that’s something we don’t have to worry about. I didn’t have any major doubts, but however well you feel you are playing and training, you can not be sure of getting a contract until it is actually given and so there is always a bit of uncertainty. But that’s gone now.”

But with Kerrea Gilbert coming back from his loan spell at the start of January, Abu has found himself being switched from right back to right midfield to accommodate Gilbert’s return, but for the Under 18’s he has switched back to what he has been doing best.. defending.

So what does the future hold for Ogogo? he is 18, and plays in a position we have very well covered, so i do not expected him to make the transition in to the first team, but he was handed a squad number, and named in the Champions League squad for the second knock out phase, he may be released during the summer, but i am sure with the talent and attitude he posses he will have a good future in football, with Arsenal or elsewhere.

Article By – J.Sanderson

~ by J.Sanderson on February 15, 2008.