One to watch: #9 Henri Lansbury

Last updated : 26 August 2009 By Dan Buxton

Name: Henri Lansbury
Date of Birth:
12th October, 1990
Position: 
Midfielder
Club:
Watford (Loan from Arsenal)
Previous Club(s):
Scunthorpe (Loan)
Cub Honours:  
           
FA Youth Cup, 2009
            FA Premier Academy League, 2009


Arsenal Apps (Goals):
4 (0)
Scunthorpe Apps (Goals):
16 (4)
Watford Apps (Goals):
1 (0)  

International Apps (Goals):
           
England U17s – 15 (6)
            England U19s – 12 (7)

           

 Arsenal have a habit of producing great talent. However, generating promising English players is not one of Arsene Wenger’s usual traditions.
Lansbury has been with Arsenal since the age of nine and has played at for the Gunners at all levels. He made his dream debut on 31st October 2007, coming on for Theo Walcott in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Sheffield United in the League Cup.
Lansbury continued to push for a place in the Gunners’ first –team, although breaking into the starting line-up was a tough ask. He began the 2008/09 season well, playing in four pre-season matches. Lansbury was asked to play wide-right and right back in the four games. It was clear to see Wenger highly regarded Lansbury but first-team was maybe a year or two away. However, Lansbury did feature again for the Gunners in three League Cup matches coming on as a substitute against Sheffield United, Wigan and away at Burnley.

The following transfer window saw Lansbury move north to Scunthorpe. He enjoyed a successful loan spell, scoring three goals in sixteen matches. His first was on his league debut against Swindon. After his spell, Lansbury re-joined the Arsenal youth side and helped them lift the FA Youth Cup Final.

This season saw Lansbury join Championship side Watford on loan. He made his debut against Blackpool, coming on as a late substitute. His second appearance came against Leeds United in their 2-1 defeat in the League Cup Second Round.