In Young Guns, featured first in the official matchday programme, we find out about the next generation of Arsenal youngsters, in their own words. This week we spoke to defender Kris Da Graca.
Everything is going really well for me this season. I have also played for Sweden again this year for the under-17s and although we lost the game against Romania, it was a memorable experience for me because I did not play at all last season and being called up is a recognition of the improvement that I have made.
I have grown in confidence which has improved my overall game, both technically and tactically.
"My target for the remainder of this season is to keep improving and try and cement my place in the under-21s next year"
Kris Da Graca
Playing regularly with the under-21s has been a big help because the level is that much higher and coming up against more experienced strikers has helped my development. I have also trained four times with the first team and have invariably marked Danny Welbeck who is a difficult player to defend against.
He is powerful, quick and technically good. I really enjoyed the experience and learnt so much and I saw the improvement from the first training session to the last one.
The sessions with the first team really accelerate your development because the tempo and accuracy of everything they do is at a higher level.
I feel that with the help of my team mates and coaches I have improved my understanding of the game, my passing and strength. I am still working hard on developing my heading which is such an important part of being a central defender.
My target for the remainder of this season is to keep improving and try and cement my place in the under-21s next year.
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