Arsenal fans left bemused after little-known goalkeeper James Hillson is included in Mikel Arteta’s Premier League squad list
- Premier League clubs have officially confirmed their top 25-man squads
- 22-year-old goalkeeper James Hillson has joined Arsenal
- Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast It’s All kicking off
Many Arsenal fans were left scratching their heads when the club’s 25-man squad for the first half of the new Premier League season was confirmed on Wednesday.
All the big names were there, as you would expect, and even the seriously injured Jurrien Timber was there.
However, there was one name on the list that stuck out like a saw-thumb.
That name belonged to rookie goalkeeper James Hillson, a 22-year-old who was promoted to the first team after his impressive performances for the U21s last season.
Supporters quickly took to social media to react to the squad’s announcement, with many asking ‘who is James Hillson?’
James Hillson has been included in Mikel Arteta’s 25-player Premier League squad list
In response, Hillson’s player profile on Arsenal’s website reads: ‘A goalkeeper who always has a strong command of his area.
‘James was on the bench for our first team three times in the Europa League last season.
‘James joined us from Reading in 2019 and regularly trains with the first team goalkeepers.
‘Now in his fifth season at the club, he is an essential part of the goalkeeping association in the youth section.’
Hillson is still unlikely to see any first-team action this season, with Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya comfortably above him in the packing order.
