Jordan Brown is a young English striker who has been in the Academy for a couple of years now. Joining from Arsenal as a 16-year-old in 2013, he began featuring for our U18s where he ended up scoring a dozen goals in 26 domestic games.
This season however, Brown began with five goals in the opening six games for the U18s, which has led to him being promoted to the U21 Development Squad. The future is looking bright for the target man who is making great strides in his career.
Following taking a closer look at the Englishman in his two recent U21 matches against Manchester City and Everton, Brown is certainly full of potential but is not quite yet the finished article. He played as a lone striker in both of these encounters, and was a lively presence up top. Against Patrick Vieira’s City, the 18-year-old showed some sensational strength as he utilised his bold physicality to hold the ball up and bring his teammates into attack. He was rewarded when he pulled the ball across the six yard box which subsequently led to an own goal by the Citizens.
The youthful forward is very good in the air, a huge aerial threat for that matter. He more than often wins the ball when it is airborne, and it is difficult for any defender to get the better of him. Against the Toffees, it was evident that accuracy may perhaps be an area needing work on.
He does well to get in the right positions and be in the correct place at the correct time, although as we get to the top level it is of vital importance that we take our chances. Brown had a free header that he put wide of the goal, as well as shooting straight at the goalkeeper on a couple of occasions.
On the other hand, his range of shooting is commendable. A great strike from 20 yards out nearly sailed in if it was not for a good stop by the Everton goalkeeper, and this was towards the end of the game showing good stamina from the lad. He is also capable of creating chances from nothing, and there was a moment in the first half where he went past a couple of players with a neat bit of skill but just could not find the end product. Hardworking nonetheless, plenty of promise was on display by the youngster.
Finally, Brown is a team player and does his bit for the side. He chases the ball back and gets us going again, and is not afraid to put a tackle in if need be. The desire to charge down opponents is a joy to watch, and as he switched to a more wide position in the second half, this may be an area to exploit on in the future. Jordan is most definitely a prospect to keep an eye on, and hopefully he is not too far off a first team call-up.
