Rob Holding reveals his moment of ‘ignorance’ when Arsenal came to scout him
The Gunners centre-back moved to the Emirates for £2million in 2016 after impressing in his one season at Bolton
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ROB HOLDING has revealed he was unaware who a certain Arsenal legend was when he came to scout him ahead of a move to the Emirates.
The 23-year-old - who joined the Gunners in a £2million deal in 2016 - was starring at Bolton when he caught the attention of the North London club.
But little did he know he was being watched by former England international Steve Bould, won won three league titles for Arsenal during his 11-year spell.
And if not for Holding's dad, the ex-Bury loanee would have no idea who Arsenal's current assistant head coach is.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "It was Dave Lee who was my Under-18s coach. He pulled me to one side and said: 'Steve Bould's watching.'
"I didn't even know who Steve Bould was! That's how ignorant I was.
"I said to my dad that Steve Bould is watching. 'Steve Bould?! Arsenal centre-half legend!' And I'm thinking: 'Ooh, I'm sorry! I don't know!'"
Holding also recalled the time he knew of their intent to sign him, he added: "It was our last game of the season on the coach down to Fulham and the manager at the time who was Jimmy Phillips, he was caretaker manager, he just pulled me and said: 'I've had a phone call from the chairman and I can't play you.
"They don't want you injured on the last game of the season so I can't play you.' It was crazy."
Holding was immediately chucked into action on the opening day of the season, as Arsenal succumbed to a 4-3 defeat at home against Liverpool in an enthralling encounter.
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Speaking of his debut, he said: "When I first came to Arsenal I got called up and it was Liverpool at home on the first day of the season.
"I was thinking: 'I've never been to the Emirates before.'
"And then I was walking out in front of 60,000. That was the first day I'd been to the Emirates and I was walking around the stadium, full crowds and I was thinking: 'Is this it? Is it the best thing yet? Does it get any better than this?'"
Holding has been a regular starter under Unai Emery in recent months, appearing in 13 games in all competitions.
He will looking to keep his place in the team sheet against Vorskla Poltava on Thursday, as well as against bitter rivals Tottenham on Sunday.
