“My whole family are massive Arsenal fans, I think it was a very proud moment for them, and of course for me, to be in an Arsenal shirt… I’d finally made it, I was on the pitch in an Arsenal kit. ~ Carl Jenkinson

In a world of want-away stars, searching for the big payday or the path of least resistance to on the road to glory (you shall remain nameless, but you know who you are), quotes like these from a young incoming player can do wonders to boost your faith and pride in your club. Not that faith and pride were waning, but let’s face it, this hasn’t been the easiest of summers to be Gunner, at least so far.

Carl Jenkinson is a name that very few of us were excited about at the start of the summer, but he is quickly looking like he may be the new fan favorite. Arsenal have been needing more players like this kid, and like Wilshere, van Persie, Frimpong; players for whom putting on the Arsenal shirt is the fulfillment of a life-long goal, not some stepping stone on the way to bigger and better things.

When you hear Jenkinson talk about how his entire family took the day off to watch him in a meaningless exhibition halfway around the world, you know that this is the culmination of a lifelong dream, likely inspired by childhood trips to Highbury and family gatherings round the television for away fixtures. Allegiances like that aren’t a matter of loyalty, they are matter of upbringing. Guys like this are exactly what we need to bring some steel into the Gunners, and I’d like to wish Carl a long and productive at Arsenal.

Apparently, I’m not the only one who has been impressed with young Carl so far. Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has told Arsenal.com that he has so far been very impressed with newcomers Jenkinson and Ryo Miyaichi this preseason.

On Jenkinson: “He looks very confident and it is great to see. He is not shy at all which is nice for a new lad coming in, especially at a young age. It’s a bit daunting at first but all the players have helped bed him in and that showed in his game [in Asia]. He is very positive and I enjoyed playing with him.”

On Ryo Miyaichi: “I don’t like comparing myself to other players, every player is different. He wants to be his own player, he is a confident lad and will hopefully have a good career at Arsenal. He has got a few step-overs more than me, I don’t do any! That is maybe something I could bring into my game.”

It’s really great to hear that Jenkinson and Miyaichi are impressing, especially Jenkinson, who sounds like he is making a case to be a part of the squad as soon as this season. The general consensus for Ryo is that he will probably need another season on loan, especially as it may be difficult to secure a work permit for him.

I think another year in the Dutch league, or perhaps even the Bundesliga, would be great for Miyaichi, help him adapt in a physical league, because his lack of size may see him struggle against stronger defenders. Regardless of what happens, the future looks bright for these two, and that is great news for Arsenal.

And yes Theo, you COULD do with adding a few step-overs and trickery. Couldn’t hurt, right?