Ben Cottrell: Folarin Balogun’s partner in crime

With Folarin Balogun set to sign a new contract for Arsenal, will he be followed by teammate Ben Cottrell?

Cottrell has built a good partnership with Balogun on the pitch as the midfielder and striker have been key players for Steve Bould’s under-23 side. The Englishman had played every minute for the U23s this year prior to his season-ending injury.

Same old ending every time!??❤️ https://t.co/tHZQXubAFg

— Ben Cottrell (@Bencottrell8) October 21, 2020

Where can he play?

The 19-year-old has predominately played either in the central-midfield role or slotted in at the attacking-midfield position through the middle of the pitch. Cottrell’s best-attacking contributions have come in these two roles, getting 12 goals and six assists from this area of the pitch.

Cottrell has played in all areas of the midfield including in both wide positions but it is clear his qualities lie in the attacking parts of the pitch, playing only two games in a defensive midfield role throughout his youth career.

Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard currently occupy the number ten role in the Arsenal first team, with the latter on loan from Real Madrid, so Cottrell will likely have to go out on loan to gain regular first-team action.

Experience and achievements

Cottrell had been rotating between the under-18s and U23s before cementing his place in the more senior side this season. He has played in the U18 Premier League, FA Youth Cup, EFL Trophy, and Premier League 2 for Arsenal’s youth set-ups.

Mikel Arteta also handed Cottrell his competitive senior debut this season as a substitute in the Europa League during the Gunners’ 4-2 over Dundalk in December. He was also played by Arteta in a pre-season fixture against MK Dons but was utilised at left-wing back rather than central midfield.

Cottrell has represented England at the U18 level where he played two international friendlies in 2019 against Slovakia and Spain respectively. It would be surprising to see someone with his quality and mindset not play for their country again at any level.

The future

As previously mentioned, Cottrell will be out for the remainder of the season after undergoing successful surgery on his injury. As a regular U23 player, he is currently one step away from entering the first-team fold as a fringe player.

In the last few seasons, Hale End graduates have progressed into the first team and this season the likes of Bukayo Saka and Smith Rowe have been influential figures in Arteta’s squad. Balogun has also proven that Arteta will continue to bring through youngsters as the striker has appeared in five Europa League games, scoring twice in that time.

Cottrell may not be in Arteta’s pre-season plans due to his recovery but there is a clear indication that he will have the opportunity to break into the senior squad, given that his form hits new levels.

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