Ben Herd / Ben Herd / 05 January 2010 / Leave a comment " class="free-bet-btn" rel="external" onclick="javascript: pageTracker._trackPageview('/G4/inline-freebet');" target="_blank">Free Bet

With no match once again, Ben Herd called up one of his mates who plays in The Championship but belongs to a Premier League club. And not just any old Premier League club. We give you Arsenal's Henri Lansbury, currently on loan at Watford.

"The Championship is a lot different to the Premier League, the physical side is another thing and the pitches are not as good - all of these things will make me a more rounded player."

With yet another of our festive period games called off due to the weather, I have once again had to delve into another league for betting.betfair.com's weekly interview. This week's player is an Arsenal starlet, Henri Lansbury. Henri has been in fine form this season whilst being sent on loan to neighbours, Watford. The midfielder has made a telling contribution to "The Hornets" campaign, not to mention chipping in with a few important goals. A bit of trivia on this week's player - as a 16 year old, Henri was the youngest player to be named in an Arsenal first team, against Liverpool in the Carling Cup. I managed to grab a word with him just after Watford's exit from the FA cup against Chelsea, here's what he had to say.

What was it like playing against the Chelsea superstars at Stamford Bridge?

It was an amazing experience, a bit surreal. I am used to watching the "Frank Lampards" of this world on TV, so it was a bit strange playing directly against him. For me, it was a great opportunity to gauge what level I am currently at, and just how far I have to go to achieve the level that the Chelsea players play at. For the game itself, well, as a young squad we are doing quite well in The Championship and want to get to the next level. This proved to be exactly the sort of game we will come up against pretty much every other week in the Premiership, so it was a harsh lesson to be beat 5-0.

You have recently extended your loan spell at Watford until the end of the season, how have you enjoyed your time with the club so far and where do you think you will end up come May?

Initially I found it quite difficult to settle in to the team, this was mainly due to actually finding my best position within the team. I didn't quite know whether I was playing just off the striker in a support role, or as a more orthodox central midfielder. I am now very comfortable playing central midfield and with the consistency of a settled position it has been beneficial to my game and I think it has showed with my current form. All the lads have been brilliant to me since my arrival, as has the management team, so I am more than happy to continue my development here until the end of the season.

You have recently signed a new long term deal at Arsenal, just how hard is it going to be breaking into Arsene Wenger's first team next season?

Extremely difficult. A club with Arsenal's stature has the pick of the best players all over the world. My aim for next season is definitely to impose myself on the first team. I have been involved in a few games, mainly in the Carling Cup, but if I work hard and take the experience I have gained from my loan spell, I might get a chance. When or if that chance arrives, then it is down to myself to take it.

Stuart Pearce included you in the last England under 21 squad, how did that feel and did you feel comfortable in that kind of company?

I have to say I was buzzing to be called up - it really is a massive confidence boost and is some form of recognition that I am doing well at club level. I also have to say that I was a bit nervous and apprehensive, but that soon went as the training sessions started. The standard in training was absolutely frightening, so sharp and intense, it is a great lesson for any young player to experience, because not only are all the players very talented, but their attitude is also spot on and approach each training session in the right manner. Like the Chelsea game, it is a great eye opener as to the level that I want to be playing at week in week out.

Do you think more young Gunners should follow your lead and be knocking on Arsene's door to be sent out on loan to experience first team football and perhaps experience a different, more physical side of the game?

Absolutely, it is completely different from reserve team football. I am using it as a big part of my career, playing every week makes you both physically and mentally stronger. The Championship is a lot different to the Premier League, the physical side is another thing and the pitches are not as good - all of these things will make me a more rounded player. You only have to look at someone who has gone down a similar route to me, Ashley Cole. He was sent out to Crystal Palace early on in his career and look at him now. If I end up with the career he has had then I would be more than happy.....not to mention a similar missus!

Football
Favourite Premier League Player? Didier Drogba
Favourite player outside the Premier League? Lionel Messi
Manager you'd most like to work under? Jose Mourinho
Club you'd most like to play for? Barcelona

Best mate in Football? Kieran Gibbs
Messiest eater? Lloyd Doyley
Biggest ladies man? Richard Lee
Worse Dressed team-mate? Lloyd Doyley

Non-football

Dream date? Sofia Vergara
Favourite TV programme? The Simpsons
Favourite shop? All Saints
Worst vice? Untidyness
Biggest pet hate? People without any manners

Tags: Aldershot Town, Ashley Cole, Ben Herd, Championship players, Henri Lansbury, Premier League football, Premiership players