FA Youth Cup Final 2009: Five To Watch—Arsenal

On Friday, May 22nd the first leg of the 2009 FA Youth Cup Final will take place at the Emirates Stadium between Arsenal and Liverpool.

The competition is one of the biggest of its kind at the U-18 age level and is a prestigious reward for a hard year's work.

The Arsenal academy has been banded around as one of the best in Europe for some time and this two-legged tie offers Steve Bould and his charges the opportunity to show just what they can do.

But who are the real stars in the making in the Arsenal youth setup?

Just who do the fans think will become the next Kieran Gibbs and step into the first team squad?

Indeed some have made this step already having played in Carling Cup games and sat on the bench at Premiership games for Arsene Wenger's senior side.

While all the team are talented, here we look at those who have stood out to date and who to watch for over what promises to be a tight affair in the finals.

Kyle Bartley

Bartley—who turns 18 on the day of the first leg—joined Arsenal from Bolton Wanderers in 2007.

His first season at Arsenal was one that was curtailed by injury, however this season he has come on leaps and bounds and formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Luke Ayling.

He stands at over six feet tall and brings much needed steel to the Arsenal backline.

Luke Ayling

Ayling is the other half of Arsenal's impressive central defence.

The 17-year-old is a product of Arsenal's Hale End Academy and has been at the club for seven years.

He is equally confident with both feet and is good in the air.

Ayling has become know as Mr. Reliable for Steve Bould's side and will fill in at right back if needed.

Francis Coquelin

18-year-old Frenchman Coquelin joined Arsenal from second division side Laval in the summer and has made an immediate impact for the Gunners.

He has been touted as a future Claude Makelele due to his strong and powerful approach, holding all the combative ingredients needed for a holding midfielder.

Add to that his superb reading of the game and fantastic passing abilities and it seems Arsenal may have a real gem on their hands.

He has already made an appearance for the senior side, coming on as a sub in the Carling Cup.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas

Many would be forgiven for thinking that JET is older than his 18 years.

Emmanuel-Thomas so impressed at underage for Arsenal that he was made captain of the under-18s at only 16.

He is somewhat of a Mr. Versatile, able to play in the backline or in midfield and has been known to pop up with the odd goal.

Jack Wilshere

17-year-old Wilshere started the season as a fresh-faced 16-year-old with the sole aim of playing more games for the U-18s and reserves, instead he found himself playing Champions League football.

Wilshere joined the North London club as a nine-year-old and his stock has rose year on year.

His wonderful curling goals this season has earned him the tag of the "new Liam Brady". Liam Brady thinks this a disservice to Wilshere's skills.

Wilshere's exploits have cause a real buzz around the Emirates, however Wenger, Brady, and Bould are keen to protect their prized asset and Wilshere has seen his first team appearances dry up and is now a regular for the youth and reserve teams.

Others of Note

Gilles Sunu: The young Frenchman was snapped up in 2007 and offered his first professional contract in April. Bould views him as an all-action center forward.

Sanchez Watt: Great things have been expected of the Londoner from an early age who broke in the Arsenal Reserve team at 15. Due to an injury to Rhys Murphy, Watt say his playing time increase and has returned some valuable goals.

Emmanuel Frimpong: Born in Ghana, but living in England since an early age, Frimpong has been at Arsenal since he was eleven. He is regarded as an all-round midfielder who can also play wide on the right.

Luke Freeman: Center forward Freeman joined Arsenal in the last transfer window from Gillingham and has steadily impressed since his move. Currently his used more of a sub for the youths and next season is expected to be a big one for Freeman.

Rhys Murphy: The aforementioned Murphy has returned from injury and scored in the semi-final victory. The English youth international is seen as one the best forwards in the country.

Henri Lansbury: The midfielder spent most of this season on loan with Scunthorpe helping them to a place in the play-off. However, he was injured following a horrific challenge which was believed to have broke his leg at the time. Upon inspection it was not as bad as feared but Henri returned to Arsenal for treatment. He is now fully recovered and is expected to start tomorrow evening.

Don't Forget The Opposition

No match is complete without the opposition so check out Liverpool's Co-Community Leader Jamie Ward's Five To Watch From Liverpool.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/180733-fa-youth-cup-final-2009-five-to-watch-liverpool

The first leg is on Friday May 22, 20:00 at The Emirates live on Setanta.

The second leg is on Tuesday May 26, 20:00 at Anfield live on Setanta.