MATTHEW CONNOLLY can name-drop some serious ballers from his Arsenal days.
The likes of Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner all passed through the reserve team that Connolly skippered.
Matthew Connolly spent 11 years on Arsenal’s booksCredit: Back Page Images
The defender made it back to the Premier League with CardiffCredit: PA:Press Association
But it’s a player you have probably never heard of who left a lasting impression.
Connolly, now 38, singled out Ryan Smith as the standout talent in the early years of his spell as a Gunners youth product.
Smith was a rapid left-winger who remains the 10th-youngest player in history, having featured in the when he was just 16.
But injuries stopped him reaching his full potential, and he retired in his mid-twenties after stints in the and .
Connolly told SunSport: “He was incredible.
“His skill… he was left-footed, he would just take people on and he was lightning as well. Really good.
“His career was cut short due to injuries but he was top. He got crunched in his knee and it was a really bad injury. He went to America and had to retire.”
Naturally, there were others who also blew Connolly away.
Ryan Smith remains one of Arsenal’s youngest ever playersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Cesc Fabregas went on to become a Gunners legendCredit: AP:Associated Press
Nicklas Bendtner was close mates with Connolly in the youth ranksCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
And his verdict holds clout as a player who twice made it to the Arsenal first team, was offered a contract renewal before leaving in 2008, and eventually made it back to the Premier League with and .
Connolly added: “We had Fabregas for a few games before he went to the first team. He was out of this world, just wanting the ball in any situation.
“It was a great watch, having him in our team.
“Bendtner is really underrated. He didn’t really have the career he could have had, but he had absolutely everything in his game.
“Then a few years above me was Sebastian Larsson. His technique was brilliant but I admired his work ethic and professionalism.”
Those who go on to enjoy great careers do not always shine at youth level.
Connolly found that with Fabrice Muamba, who made two Gunners appearances before becoming a regular at and , where his playing days were cruelly cut short after surviving a heart attack.
Connolly said: “Physically brilliant, massive, long legs, speed, but technically on the ball he just wasn’t up there with the rest of them.
“I wouldn’t have said he would be in my favourites to make it but Fabrice did extras every day, asked questions when he was with the first team and learned from all of those guys.”
Fabrice Muamba went on to play for Birmingham City and BoltonCredit: Getty
Quincy Owusu-Abeyie’s career fizzled outCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Arturo Lupoli found most of his success in Italy’s lower leaguesCredit: Getty
Then there are those who had the promise of Smith, Fabregas or Bendtner, but didn’t quite live up to the hype.
Connolly recalled: “Quincy Owusu-Abeyie was so good, so quick and had skills. I was sure he would have a really good career but you could also see that his attitude wasn’t the best. He would be late for stuff.
“I am a bit surprised but also not because attitude is a big part of it, isn’t it?
“Arturo Lipoli scored hundreds of goals every time he played and his finishing was always on point.
“He was a bit lightweight for the English leagues but I thought he would have maybe gone abroad and kicked on, but it didn’t really happen for him.”
Owusu-Abeyie showed flashes of promise at various clubs around Europe before retiring at 30 to pursue a rap career.
Lipoli racked up hundreds of games as a pro but found most of his joy in Italy’s lower leagues.
Both were outlasted at the top level by Connolly, who dropped down to QPR after 11 years at Arsenal before working his way back up.
He said: “The drop-off in terms of facilities and stuff was massive, but playing for three points at a big club in the Championship was perfect for me.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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