There aren't too many situations in football where you're considered old at the age of 26. This Arsenal squad is no ordinary football team though.
After inheriting a group packed with players approaching the twilight of their careers, Mikel Arteta has quickly transformed his squad into the youngest in the Premier League. With a clearly defined recruitment policy last summer aimed at signing players aged 23-and-under, it is clear that the Gunners are building a team for years to come.
While the exuberance and fearlessness of youth is integral to Arteta's project, the rare beacons of experience in the Arsenal squad are ones that he values greatly. Rob Holding is one of the prime examples of this, and despite perhaps being viewed by many as older than he actually is, the centre back is more than happy to surprise people.
