Arsenal’s Dan Crowley has been described by Barnsley boss Lee Johnson as ‘the best 18-year-old I’ve ever seen’, following a short loan spell with the League One club.
The gunners recalled Crowley on Wednesday, and given the clubs injury crisis in midfield, which includes the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky, there could be an opportunity for Crowley to feature in the first team at the Emirates.
Crowley has already played against Premier League opposition this season, scoring against Everton as Barnsley lost 5-3 to the Merseysiders in the Capital One Cup second round.
Johnson had high praise for the Arsenal teenager.
I think that Dan’s had a fantastic time here, we’ve really enjoyed working with him. He’s probably one of the best, or the best, or most talented 18-year-olds I’ve ever seen.
The Barnsley boss came through the Arsenal academy, continued by placing Crowley above all other 18-year-old’s he saw at that age in terms of talent, including former Gunners left back Ashley Cole.
Obviously I came through the ranks at Arsenal as well, so there are players like Ashley Cole that I include in that, players that have had very good careers. For me, it was fantastic to work with him, really enjoyed it, really appreciative to Arsenal.
Despite playing just 13 games whilst at Barnsley, Johnson believes Crowley had a positive impact at Oakwell, and could have played more if it wasn’t for injuries.
I think he had four or five really good effective games for us that showed his quality and where he could be.
He had a couple of injuries, he was called up by England, which stunted the starts he could have had, but I’ve got nothing but positive thoughts about him as a lad and as a player.
The youngster was called up for the first time by the England U18s earlier this month, and Johnson, who admits he’d like to coach Crowley again, believes he can become a future England international.
Of course, as a coach I’d love to work with him someday in the future, because I believe at some point this boy will play for the England national team, if he can iron out the little bits that will come through maturing and playing in a different level.
I’m disappointed to lose him, but it’s the law.
