Once again the bandwagon on foreign players at Arsenal has hit the headlines. Alex Ferguson is attacking Arsenal’s policy of buying from France and Spain (this time heavily backed by the Daily Mirror) who claim that Fergie could field an entire home grown team from his current squad.

Let’s take issue at some of these points. Firstly, if Fergie’s Manchester Utd youngsters are that good, then how did a struggling Coventry beat them so easily in this year’s Carling Cup. Secondly, why has Fergie so readily got his chequebook out to sign young foreign players in the past?

It is now time to address this issue and tell the world how many English players have, over the last three seasons, left Arsenal and now ply their trade in the top flight of English football.

Stuart Taylor – Villa
Cashley - Chelsea
Upson - West Ham
Campbell - Portsmouth
Bentley - Blackburn
Pennant - Liverpool
Sidwell - Chelsea

If you include Hoyte and Walcott that’s not a bad selection really. But Campbell aside how many other players have really stepped up to the grade and could make it into Arsenal’s current squad?

I cannot see anybody as good as Cesc, Hleb, Denilson, Rosicky, Flamini and Walcott in the midfield area with the possible exception of Bentley). In defence, Cole maybe, but Gallas, Toure, Clichy, Eboue and Sagna on recent performances wouldn’t give the others a sniff.

There has not been a world class English forward for years. Bent (now a joke at Spurs) could have fallen into that category when he finished second behind golden boot winner Thierry in 2006. This was achieved at relegated Charlton and Bent is the only forward who springs to mind over the past couple of years. Some might argue that Crouch - when he is playing for England - could be considered.

So a note to the sportswriters. Yes Manchester Utd can field a home grown team but how many games will the likes of Eckersley (1 game in 2 years), Campbell (2 apps in 3 years), Eagles (16 apps in 4 years), Martin (2 apps in 2 years), Bardsley (18 app in 4 years), Simpson (0 apps in 3 years) and Foster (loan periods in 2 years) appear alongside Rooney, Ferdinand, Carrick, Hargreaves (all bought for stupid money) and the homegrown Scholes and Neville.

Good youth team development policy you have these days Fergie!