Top Five Arsenal Youngsters To Look Out For This Season

Arséne Wenger’s first team begin their pre-season campaign this Saturday with the inaugural trip to north London neighbours Barnet at Underhill.

With the likes of Theo Walcott, Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy and Gunners new-boy Aaron Ramsey set to start in the friendly match, Arsenal fans will get a chance to watch the new-look squad in action against League 2 opposition.

Gooner Talk have compiled a list of five up and coming first team youngsters likely to make the biggest impact during the 2008/09 season and why they should be feared by the Premier League and Europe’s finest defenders.

5. Theo Walcott – Striker/Winger

At the tender age of 19, Theo Walcott is potentially the biggest English prospect plying his trade at the Emirates Stadium.

Theo has showed mere glimpses of his quality so far at the club, when when these glimpses have come, they have come in enormous bursts.

The starlet’s repuation rocketed when he went on a mazy run, beating over five Liverpool players before squaring to Emmanuel Adebayor who finished with aplomb. That was the Champions League Quarter Final at Anfield, minutes later Kolo Toure conceded a penalty, Steven Gerrard converted and Walcott’s momeny was taken away from him.

Arsenal fans won’t forget that run though and neither will they his pace and agility to set up that goal. It was announced in late June that Walcott would be given the number 14 shirt, last worn by former Arsenal legend and captain Thierry Henry – this could be his year.

4. Nicklas Bendtner – Striker

One of the biggest positives to come out of another trophyless year for Arsenal last season was Nicklas Bendtner. The young Dane took massive strides in a short amount of time and lived up to his ‘goal a game’ reputation by scoring just 10 seconds after coming on against bitter north London rivals Tottenham.

Not only did that goal make him an Arsenal fan’s favourite, but his willingness to get back and defend to help the cause shows his true ’steel’ and character.

Bendtner, 20, has been likened to Inter striker Zlatan Ibrahimović for his superb ability in the air as well as his challenging and unpredictable style which causes most Premier League defenders to panic.

Seven goals in sixteen appearances for his country, Nicklas is one of Europe’s hottest young talents and is consisdered to be the next big  thing back in his home land as well as Ashburton Grove.

You can keep up to date with Nicklas’ progress during the season over at Nicklas Bendtner News.

3. Aaron Ramsey – Midfielder

The acuquistion of Welsh teenager Aaron Ramsey was not only an fantastic signing for Arséne Wenger’s men, it might just turn out to be one of the transfer coup’s of the window.

Versatile midfielder Ramsey rejected firm offers from Manchester United and Everton to join the Gunners which meant that most Arsenal fans took to him immediately. Wenger flew him and his family to Switzerland to talk about the plans the ‘Gaffer’ had for him and his potential future with Arsenal.

17-year-old Ramsey is the next big thing in Welsh football and his move to Arsenal will certainly escalate that title and his own footballing career. Under the guidance of Arséne Wenger, young Aaron can be sure of many chances to come this season, hopefully ones which he will take.

Aaron Ramsey News will keep you updated with the starlet’s progress in the Arsenal side this season, don’t forget to check it out if you have a spare minute.

2. Carlos Vela – Striker/Winger

Highly-rated Mexican prodigy Carlos Vela is predominantly a striker but while on loan to Spanish sides Salamanca and Osasuna during the past two seasons, he was used on the left wing, a position where he proved to be tricky and extraordinarily quick.

Arsenal boss Arséne Wenger views Vela as a striker and expects to use him there this season. With Eduardo, Bendtner, van Persie, Walcott and wantaway frontman Emmanuel Adebayor, Arsenal have a strong strike force ready for next season.

When the Gunners released their squad numbers for the new league campaign, Carlos was given the number 12 shirt - previously worn by Pompey fullback Lauren. A certain acheivement for the youngster, and a potential sign that Le Boss has him in his plans for the coming season.

The place to go for all things Carlos Vela is Carlos Vela News, latest news, pics and reports on the Mexican prodigy.

1.  Samir Nasri – Central Midfielder/Winger

Marseille-born Nasri can become the best midfielder in Europe, and at the age of just 21 he has plenty of time to show that. In the mould of Cesc Fabregas his technical ability, passing and pace are outstanding.

Speed, skill and pure technique are the main features of his game, Nasri has been drafted in on the right wing for France many times before.

He has been designated the Number 8 shirt for the 08/09 season, formerly worn by Ian Wright and Fredrik Ljungberg, and most recently worn by Lassana Diarra.

I think I speak for most Gooners when I say ‘I can’t wait to see Nasri play’. After seeing him in action for his country, he suits Arsenal’s style perfectly and will be able to blossom under Wenger’s guidance.

Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas are the new faces of Arsenal Football Club and they’re gearing up to set the Premier League alight.

Tags: arsenal, barnet, Fans, future, nasri, players, Ramsey, Wenger