Large numbers in squads are typically given to players who are either fringe players or starting to come through the academy.
A good example of one of these is 35, a number that wouldn’t typically be used by small sides.
However, for those clubs who boast not only big squads, but a lot of talent, will typically sign players to the 35 shirts.
Now, who exactly are the best players wearing number 35 in 2022.
Well in this post I will take you through 9 of the most promising individuals who are making a name for themselves at club level.
Table of Contents
1. Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal
There arguably isn’t a better place to start than Gabriel Martinelli, who is most likely the best number 35 in the game.
A youngster with so much potential, as fit in well with Mikel Arteta’s philosophy at Arsenal and as been one of a number of young players to excel at the club in the past few seasons.
Born in Brazil, Martinelli grew up in Guarulhos and went through the Corinthians, before playing his first competitive game for Ituano, Brazil’s second division.
Martinelli got his move to Arsenal in 2019, making his first appearance in a friendly against MLS side Colorado Rapids, which featured mostly academy footballers.
Since shining in his few apps, his career has only moved up with him now a key squad player for Arsenal.
2. Darren Randolph – West Ham United
Aged 35 Darren Randolph wears the same number on his jersey for Premier League club West Ham.
Now while you can’t call him a youth prospect as he is coming towards the end of his career, the Irishman has been a solid keeper for a number of years.
Mostly has a backup at West Ham, he has been the number one choice for his country Republic of Ireland making 50 appearances.
When it comes to appearances he also played over 100 times for Motherwell in the early 2010’s aswell as for Middlesbrough during 2017 and 2020.
Nowadays however the Bray-born keeper is mostly reserved about being on the bench, as he is currently the third choice for the hammers.
3. Ismael Gharbi – Paris Saint Germain
Coming through the ranks of PSG’s rivals, the Paris FC system, Ismaël Gharbi is slowly starting to make a name for himself for the Parisians.
The 16 year old as made a few appearances for the PSG, with his league debut coming in a draw to Troyes at home.
Now from what I have seen from Gharbi, he looks like a player to watch for the future.
He plays in a very similar way to teammate Marco Veratti, he is a fairly small player with a low centre of gravity and dribbles intricately.
Aswell as this, he dictates the tempo of the game, playing at his speed, something that Veratti has become well known for doing.
With minutes given to him by a PSG side that boasts so many quality talents, its likely we will see more of him over the coming seasons.
4. Miguel Gutierrez – Real Madrid
Miguel Gutierrez has been a highly touted footballer for Real Madrid for a few years now, being on the radar of elite European clubs.
However, in the end, Miguel who has a 35 shirt with the Catalans, has stayed put in Madrid, where he has been since 2011.
A left-back by trade, Gutierrez has shown his qualities at the highest level in La Liga, showcasing his comfortability carrying the ball.
He also plays as though the game the game is chess,
Whether that be passing or when receiving the ball in tight areas.
So the fact he has gained minutes in a competitive left-back position at Real Madrid shows how high they rate him.
5. Tyrese Francois – Fulham FC
Australian international Tyrese Francois has been earning recognition while playing for newly promoted side Fulham’s u23 side.
Aged 21 and from Australia, Tyrese joined the London-based club as a teenager and has made 3 first-team appearances since going through the academy system.
Being a star of the academy side and a player who has featured for his country’s youth systems, its likely we will see more of him over the next few years.
6. Charlie Cresswell – Leeds United
Charlie Cresswell has risen all through the ranks to make his debut in the 35 shirt for Leeds United.
Joining the club aged 13, Cresswell played youth football including captaining the Leed United u23 title-winning team.
Since then he has tried to claim his spot in that Leeds first team, making 5 appearances in the Premier League over the 22/23 campaign.
Despite being a centre-half, he has very comfortable on the ball, reads danger well, and can pick out a pass.
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