From Tyreece John-Jules to others, how Arsenal youngsters played against Al-Nasr

The absence of a number of first-team stars meant opportunities abounded when Arsenal took on Al-Nasr in Dubai on Tuesday afternoon — and it was youngsters who got the nod.

Unai Emery oversaw a 3-2 win from a side containing a number of players outside of his usual first-team set-up and there were a handful of impressive performances.

Sportsmail has taken a look at the nine young stars who featured in the match at the Al Maktoum Stadium, how they got on and what the future holds.

Konstantinos Mavropanos, 21

Mavropanos is a physical looking defender who has an innate ability to read the game well. When Carl Jenkinson went missing in the first-half, for example, he did well to intercept.

Did not cover himself in glory, like the rest of the Arsenal defence, for Al-Nasr's opener. But it was really experienced partner Shkodran Mustafi who was at fault, and he looked very composed in the second period as part of a back three.

Zech Medley, 18

A giant central defender who was shifted out to left-back to accommodate the absent members of the first-team. Looks to have a touch of poise on the ball, giving the positional shift, and did well to beat the Al-Nasr full-back with some nice tricks.

His crossing left a bit to be desired and, fitness wise, he seemed to struggle getting up and down. That might be expected given his usual role, though. ‘It was a bit difficult for him,’ Perry Groves admitted at half-time.

Charlie Gilmour, 20

Clearly a talented central midfielder who has the technical ability that you would expect from an Arsenal academy graduate. Did, however, seem to be overawed when getting back against Al-Nasr's senior players in the first-half.

Must be said that he played a lovely pass out to the left at one stage. Would need some work to get ahead of Arsenal's strong midfield options.

Ben Sheaf, 21

Like partner Gilmour, did well through most of the game. Looks a strong player and capable of operating at this level. Did spend time on loan at Stevenage in the second half of last season, which may explain his physical development.

Actually started out as a central defender before moving into midfield. Unlike Gilmour, seemed to have a better understanding of what to do in defensive situations against Al-Nasr.

Xavier Amaechi, 18

A tricky winger who has the capacity to burst past his full-back when required. Also showed an eye for a stepover or two, which did befuddle his opposite number.

However, clearly needs to get slightly better with his decision making as sometimes can keep running with the ball when a lay-off is clearly the better option. Needs a bit of work to be first-team ready.

Julio Pleguezuelo, 22

There has been quite a lot of excitement around Julio Pleguezuelo, especially after he made his first-team debut in October last year. And there was a moment when he recovered well on Ainsley Maitland-Niles' behalf to put in a good tackle.

He struggled as the second-half wore on though and got away with an awful challenge. Then he gave away a late penalty after getting on the wrong side of a striker. Has elements of his game he needs to fix.

Dominic Thompson, 18

Seemed far more comfortable than Zech Medley in that berth on the left and did not really look troubled at any point in the game. Also got forward well and occupied some good positions.

So calm and composed that there was little else of note to his game. May be one to watch.

Jordi Osei-Tutu, 20

A full-back who occupied a position behind fellow academy graduate Ainsley Maitland-Niles on the right during the second-half. Linked up well with the senior man and helped create a handful of chances.

Has both the physical and technical capacity to push on as a player, although it is a role in which Arsenal are well stocked.

Tyreece John-Jules, 18

The 18-year-old is considered to have the potential to be a striker of some note behind the scenes at the academy. Showed that in Dubai on Tuesday afternoon.

Easily the most exciting performance and not just for the goal. He pressed brilliantly, winning the ball back high up the pitch and was so composed when it came to actually putting the ball in the net.

Could have had a second after nearly forcing a defender into another mistake. Would not be a surprise to see him follow housemate Eddie Nketiah into the first-team set-up.

James Olayinka, 18

Did not have a huge impact on the game although showed flashes. What was interesting is that he seems to have considerable strength and an ability to defend well from midfield while also trying to thread balls through to forward players.

Not as one-note as other midfielders produced in Premier League academies in recent years.