Player Ratings 2013/14 - Part Two: Defenders

Carl JENKINSON (RB) - 25

22 years old - 13+9 apps / 1 goal (PL) / 2 assists (PL)

I think Carl Jenkinson will be disappointed with how this season has gone on a personal level. Not so much because of his performance level, but because he’s struggled for game time. For me, Jenkinson has the potential to be a brilliant right back. He has serious pace, great stamina and has shown he’s got a good cross on him too, as shown by his beautiful assist for Bendtner against Hull. There’s also the fact that he’s a lifelong Arsenal fan and it shows in everything he does for the team. He seems a great character to have him the team too and gets on with the other English players in the squad.

There are a few little snags in his game though. His defending is good, but nowhere near the level of a player like Sagna and his passing decisions can leave something to be desired. Jenkinson needs game time and he needs it soon. He’s 22, getting to the stage where he’ll want to be playing week in, week out and where he reaches the peak of his game. If he’s to reach his excellent potential, he needs more than 13 starts in a season. He may get more of a chance with Sagna more than likely to leave, but we’ll certainly bring in another right back if he does. Next year will be really important for Carl, I have no doubt he can become our first choice right back, but he needs games and he needs to step up and make the position his.

Season Rating - 6/10

Worst Moment - Arsenal 0-2 Chelsea (COC) - Carl was at fault, along with Fabianski, for a horrendous mix up which gifted Chelsea a first half lead.

Best Moment - Norwich 0-2 Arsenal (PL) - One of the best moments of the season for me, Jenks popped up in the box to poach his first Arsenal goal and his celebration told you everything you needed to know about how much it meant to him.

World Cup? - No. Unfortunately with the lack of games, Jenkinson hasn’t been in the reckoning for England and it’s no surprise he missed out on Hodgson’s 23 man squad.

Will he stay? - There’s no doubt he’ll stay at the club, but depending on summer additions, we may see him move out on loan for the season. Personally though, I’m pretty sure he’ll be in the first team squad for the 14/15 season.