What's happened to Craig Eastmond?

Trevheff · Post by **Trevheff** » Mon Aug 02, 2010 9:22 pm

Anyone know what's happened to Craig Eastmond? Didn't feature at The Emirates Cup and not included on the squad list on Arsenal.com. Still a youngster with a lot to learn but I've been impressed with what I've seen of him so far. But he's disapeared off the face of the earth and Frimpong seems to have jumped ahead of him (not that Frimpong doesn't look promising too).

Anyone know what's happened to young Craig?

PI7ES · Post by **PI7ES** » Mon Aug 02, 2010 9:28 pm

injured i think

Post by **QuartzGooner** » Mon Aug 02, 2010 9:31 pm

Injured.

Think he is a good prospect but more of a Song type midfield player than the Flamini-esque Frimpong.

Its Up 4 Grabs Now · Post by **Its Up 4 Grabs Now** » Mon Aug 02, 2010 9:48 pm

Far from convinced Eastmond will make it with us tbh. Maybe itâ€™s just the first time I really saw him was at SHL getting skinned as a right-back in the youth cup & first impressions last, but I just donâ€™t see it. He hasnâ€™t even been bad when heâ€™s played - was quality against Lâ€™pool in the beer cup & decent enough at Wigan etc but somethingâ€™s just missing.

mrbigmike · Post by **mrbigmike** » Tue Aug 03, 2010 11:40 am

I think he's got as good a chance as anyone. and i hope he does.

merson_is_god · Post by **merson_is_god** » Tue Aug 03, 2010 12:11 pm

Didnt he play in the Carling Cup against Liverpool last season? I seem to remember the name...why can't we stop worrying about players like this who in two years will be playing for Derby or Orient and go out and spend around 8 million on a decent proven player?

TeeCee · Post by **TeeCee** » Tue Aug 03, 2010 1:57 pm

He will never ever make it at Arsenal, another in a long line of 'ok' players who have come through the ranks and as MiG said, will undoubtedly be a lower league player. You can see real talent from a very early age, Cesc and Jack looked head and shoulders above the rest, players like JET and Frimpong look ok and may have a chance, players like Randall, Eastmond and Denilson

have no chance!!

marcengels · Post by **marcengels** » Tue Aug 03, 2010 1:58 pm

Will eventually play for Birmingham City

Trevheff · Post by **Trevheff** » Tue Aug 03, 2010 3:57 pm

I take your point guys, but for every Cesc and Wilshere, you need your Gilberto and Flamini type. For all the class players Utd have had over recent years they would have won nothing without the Fletchers, Butts and Hargreaves of this world. Loathe them if you like or think them average but they do a vital job. I raised the question as beyond Song I think we are very short of players who can sit, protect and play it simple. Eastmond is obviously a long way from convincing he's good enough, but for someone so young and inexperienced he caught the eye against Liverpool and away to Bolton I recall. He looked very composed. I was just surprised not to see him feature at the weekend or squad list, but injury would explain that.

As for seeing real talent from a very early age, Song was dire up to 18 months ago and has developed from no where since then. Similar was true of Flamini. I agree that more creative players tend to show them ability earlier, but your work horses/breakdown players don't really tend to show their worth until they physically develop. I'll keep a keen eye on young Craig ...........

TeeCee · Post by **TeeCee** » Tue Aug 03, 2010 4:00 pm

Yeah agree with you Trev, some do develop. My concern with Eastmond is that he gives the ball away a fair bit. Frimpong actually seems a lot more solid and reliable so far but I guess we need to see him in a few league games to see what he's really made of.