Arsenal Vs Twente: Wenger puts faith in youth before crucial UEFA qualifier

August 14, 2008

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has put faith in the youth in the squad, something he has been seen doing of late before tonight’s crucial first leg against Dutch outfit FC Twente, which is managed by former England coach Steve McClaren.

Frenchman said that he believes the young blood in the Gunners’ squad will be up to the challenge when they face Twente in Arnhem.

It will be a match more important than the home leg in wake of the away goals rule. The rule says that in case of a tie after the two legs, the team scoring more away goals wins.

The side, devoid of many players, especially in the midfield, is expected to field 17-year old Wales’s u-21 international, Aaron Ramsey, alongside 20-year old Brazilian Denilson.

Again, 21-year old Swiss defender Johan Djourou will play alongside captain William Gallas, as Kolo Toure has an uncomfortable hip muscle presently.

Apart from Toure, many preffered first team players like Tomas Rosicky, Eduardo, Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby are on the injured list.

Talking of his strategy in the game, Wenger said that the Gunners were aware of the home team’s Dutch style of play, which is keeping a lot of possession. The London club is looking forward to answer it by being better at defense.

In the run up to this highly anticipated fixture, former England manager McClaren said that his side were not just underdogs, but were ‘ very big underdogs ‘. He feels that they are a side that defeated Ajax in the Dutch play offs and have absolutely nothing to lose!

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