Young gun

Young Gun: Tyreece John-Jules

John-Jules

In Young Guns, featured first in the official matchday programme, we find out about the next generation of Arsenal youngsters, in their own words. Next, we speak to forward Tyreece John-Jules.

Although I’m out injured at the moment, I’ve had a very positive season so far. I’ve played a lot of games for the under-23s and that has helped me progress immensely.

I’m playing against older, more experienced men, which has helped me push on even more. I’ve had to develop both my physical and mental strength to compete.

I was given a big boost by being nominated for the PL2 Player of the Month for December.

A handful of players were selected by coaches and managers who were asked to pick opposition players who had impressed them, and that made it even more special.

I’ve been doing a lot of weights in the gym and improving my runs too, and Freddie Ljungberg has put in a lot of time to help me. I watch a lot of videos of top strikers to see what I can learn from them. Edinson Cavani and Mauro Icardi are two.

Training with the first team helps too, as I’m up against strong, experienced players like Laurent Koscielny and Sokratis. I had to adapt my game as there’s no point in getting into a tussle with them! I had to find new strategies like playing quick one-twos to try and get past them.

I’m now 6ft 1in and am trying to score more headers in addition to improving my general game. I feel I’ve improved my link-up and hold-up play. Freddie is very detailed in what he wants and I find that really useful. I’m improving my technique but also my football education, the way I think about the game and game situations. All that has combined with the work I’ve done in the gym to help me progress this season.

I hope to be back in full training within three weeks after I pulled my hamstring in the 1-1 draw with Brighton. It felt tight during the game, then I made a run and that was it. Hopefully I’ll be able to continue to feature regularly with the under-23s when I return.

I was in the first-team squad for the Europa League games against Qarabag and Vorskla. I was on the bench and although I didn’t make my debut it was a really useful experience.

I haven’t had many injuries in my career so far, so I count myself lucky. The physios are treating the injury at the moment and the only other thing I can do it just rest and hopefully I’ll be back soon.

John-Jules
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