Thomas Cruise

The launch of Arsenal TV starts something young Thomas Cruise will have had to put up with his whole life, more jokes about his name.

But the jokes about him have not effect the highly rated prospect, a current England Youth international he has worked his way through the Hale End system and is able to cover all left sided and central defensive positions.

A classy, tall centre back by trade he has spent most of his Under 18s and Reserves time playing as a holding midfielder, but plays in central defence for his country building up a excellent understanding with Kyle Bartley, Kyle signed for the club in the summer and they will hope to link up again for the under 18s.

The coaching staff are also impressed with Cruise, who is not a typical Arsenal player, he is not blessed with blistering pace or technique, but his fantastic attitude, superb work rate and versatility have given him the chance to ply his trade with the Gunners.

Not only confident on the ball, but Tommy has a great eye for a pass, and is willing to get stuck and fight for the cause, this excellent attitude meant when Szczesny was injured in the Under 18’s fixture against Southampton, Tommy offered to take the Polish stoppers place with no sub keeper on the bench, and he did really well, keeping a clean sheet for 45 minutes.

His physique allows him to impose youngsters of his own age as well as the older players in the Reserves, a real asset should he go on to play in the very physical Premiership.

Name: Thomas Cruise
Age: 17
Nationality: English
Position: Centre Back/Midfield
Previous Clubs: —
Contract : Scholarship