Saturday, May 21, 2011

Miyaichi to join Arsenal for pre-season

Arsène Wenger has revealed that Ryo Miyaichi will link up with Arsenal in pre-season so the manager can assess whether he is ready for the first team.

The Japanese forward signed a long-term contract with the Club in January and immediately joined Dutch giants Feyenoord on loan in order to help his adjustment to European football while awaiting the work permit he requires to play in England.

Miyaichi was an instant hit in the Eredivisie, going straight into Mario Beem’s side and impressing during his five-month stay, prompting Wenger to take a closer look at the 18-year-old’s progress.

“I have only [heard] positive reports about him,” said Wenger. “He will be with us in pre-season.

“I think he is good enough but if he is ready enough to have a place in our team, we will ask for a work permit and try to get him in.

“What I like about Ryo is that he has good timing with his runs and understands when to go and where to go. That is something very important. He knows how to use his pace and he is an intelligent player."

“He is a boy who went straight from school football to professional football and straight away was the best player in Feyenoord.”

Miyaichi’s application for a work permit could be aided by a call-up to the Japanese Under-23 squad aiming to qualify for the 2012 Olympics.

“That is a good help,” said Wenger. “An even better help is putting him straight in the [Japanese] first team, then we do not need a work permit any more."

“He looks a very promising boy and everybody who went to watch him has been hugely impressed by him. He is a character and a great football player.”

Source: Giuseppe Muro, Arsenal.com on 19 May 11

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