Following his full Watford debut against Swansea last week, Arsenal and England starlet has spoken to Watford’s Official website on his move from one side of the London Colney fence to the other.
The talented midfielder enjoyed getting his name in the starting line up in the draw against the Swans and hopes it’s a sign of things to come as he looks to get valuable experience to take back to the Gunners.
“It was good to get to know how the team play and I fully enjoyed it” said Lansbury.
“It has made me more determined to get in the team every week now. I’ve come here to learn and to play football, which is what I’ll do.”
Last season he rejected the chance to join a Premier League or Championship club on loan in favour of going to League 1 with Scunthorpe, and he feels that experience has set him up to try a higher level this term with Watford.
“I think playing at Watford will be another great learning curve in my career and playing in the championship is a great experience for any young player.
“I was lucky enough to have a great loan period with Scunthorpe in League One last season, and they were promoted to the Championship while I was there.
“Being at Watford is definitely a step-up and a move forwards for me in my career so far so I hope I do well here. I wanted to come here, play well and get the team into a good league position by the time I leave – so they are my aims now.”
Lansbury had a busy summer this summer before joining Watford and was named one of Uefa’s “Ones to Watch” following his performances in the Uefa Under 19 Championships and he feels turning out for his country is a vital step in his career progression.
“International experience is a great step in a player’s career. It’s all about playing and training with good players from other clubs in various leagues and having the chance to interact with different people. It means you experience different types of play, skills and tactics that you don’t necessarily get at your domestic clubs.”
Arsenal may not have Lansbury available to play for them at the moment, but they don’t have to go far to see the youngster train with Watford’s training ground just the other side of the fence from the state of the art London Colney, something that makes it very easy for the Arsenal coaches to check on the 18 year old regularly.
“I didn’t have far to come – Watford’s training ground is just over the fence from Arsenal’s! With it being so close, it means the coaches at Arsenal can easily hop over and check up on how I’m doing here which is really good.”
It seems strange that Henri was not selected for the England U21′s.
Wilshere, Welbeck, Rodwell, Rose and Cleverely were in the squad.
There must have a been a good reason for it!
New Gerrard