The journey from the academy to Arsenalās first team is a very difficult path to take. It can be even harder when you are a goalkeeper.
Arsene Wenger currently has two international goalkeepers and the promising Emiliano Martinez competing for the No 1 shirt, as well as five others progressing through the Gunnersā youth teams.
However, after Wojciech Szczesnyās suspension and David Ospinaās injury, it was Ryan Huddart who was called up to be Martinezās understudy for Arsenalās Champions League clashes with Anderlecht and Borussia Dortmund.
āConfidence-wise, that was massive,ā Huddart told Arsenal.com. āTo do it once was amazing, but to have the opportunity to do it twice this season was something that I would never have thought of. Iāve really enjoyed it so far and just want to keep going.

Ryan Huddart on the first-team bench
āEmi has been brilliant with me. I think that if you asked him, heād probably say that Iāve been brilliant for him as well! We get on very well and heās done ever so well this year to play in as many games as he has.
āAt one stage, we were both in the academy together. Iāve known him for three years in the academy and weāve both ended up together with the first team. Heās done well in the games that heās played, keeping clean sheets and playing very well.ā

Emiliano Martinez
This campaign has been a turning point for Huddart - and not just because he's tasted life in the first-team squad.
"Iām making more saves and fewer mistakes. I think Iām calmer and more composed now"
Ryan Huddart
The 17-year-old has shared under-18s goalkeeping duties with Hugo Keto, produced solid performances for the under-19s in the Youth League and is now competing with Matt Macey for the under-21s, who host Bolton Wanderers at Boreham Wood on Monday.
āI feel a lot more experienced this year,ā explained Huddart. āIām making more saves and fewer mistakes. I think Iām calmer and more composed now, and that was always there, but it was just the confidence that I needed to build. I canāt fault myself this year, but I need to keep going.ā
Entrance to Boreham Woodās Meadow Park is free for Arsenal youth games and live updates will be on the @Arsenal Twitter feed from 6.55pm (UK time).
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