It’s been a near-perfect start for Arsenal this season, who find themselves top of the Premier League and through to the last 16 of the Europa League.
However, the positives don’t stop there. That’s because a number of loanees continue to impress elsewhere, potentially handing Mikel Arteta some much-needed squad depth in years to come.
Arsenal have seven first-team players out on loan, while a number of highly-rated academy stars are also gaining valuable experience within a first-team environment. Here is how just some of them currently rank according to average league ratings taken from WhoScored.
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Auston Trusty – 7.10
“USA, USA, USA” has become quite a regular chant among the Birmingham City fans this season and it’s all down to Auston Trusty.
Despite arriving in the UK as a bit of an unknown in the summer, Trusty has taken to English football like a duck to water, establishing himself as a key figure in the Blues backline.
Solid in defence and a threat in attack as three goals highlight, the centre-back’s fine performances have led to his current manager John Eustace call for him to be named in the USMNT World Cup squad.
Nuno Tavares – 6.99
There must be something in the air over in France because it’s not just Folarin Balogun enjoying his football. Nuno Tavares failed to find consistency at Arsenal last season, but the Portugal Under-21 international is following in the similar footsteps of William Saliba at Marseille.
Three goals in ten Ligue 1 appearances highlight the obvious attacking threat which was often on show at the Gunners. However, it remains to be seen how much Tavares can develop and improve the defensive side of his game, especially when you consider that he is mainly being utilised as a left-wing-back.
Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko are a long way ahead in terms of overall quality, but at 22 and with around three years remaining on his Arsenal contract, it would be wrong to rule out a future role for Tavares under Arteta.
Folarin Balogun – 6.84
Not many players can say they are on more goals than Lionel Messi this season, but Folarin Balogun is one of them. The striker netted his eighth Ligue 1 goal of the season on Sunday to secure all three points for Reims against Nantes.
From the penalty spot, the 21-year-old calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net to continue his fine goalscoring form and extend Reims’ unbeaten run to six games.
Arsenal's striking options already look strong, but they could become even stronger once a confident and improved Balogun returns.
Charlie Patino – 6.72
Those who know him well have always said that the sky's the limit for Charlie Patino, and he continues to demonstrate why. Following two first-team appearances last season, including a goal on his debut, it’s no surprise to see Patino shine at Championship side Blackpool.
The youngster had to overcome some early obstacles after rolling his ankle during his first league start which put him on the sidelines for four weeks. However, the England Under-20 international wasted no time in getting back on track to show everyone what he's all about.
A string of standout displays have seen Patino become one of the first names on Michael Appleton's team sheet, with performances against Norwich, Watford, Sunderland, Millwall, and more recently Preston, in particular, leaving fans wanting more after contributing two goals and one assist.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6.34
Unfortunately, it hasn’t been all smiles for every single Arsenal loanee this season as Ainsley Maitland-Niles will know.
It’s safe to say it’s been quite a frustrating couple of years for the 25-year-old. Despite offering plenty of talent and versatility, Maitland-Niles was unable to stamp down a regular spot under Arteta and now he’s struggling to make an impact at Southampton.
The midfielder failed to register a goal or assist under Ralph Hasenhuttl since arriving in the summer, but things could now change for the better after the Austrian's sacking on Monday.
It may not have been the start he wanted, but there’s still plenty of time for Maitland-Niles to turn things around and have a strong campaign.
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