They're Gunner Be Good: Six Arsenal Players To Watch In 2010/2011

Arsenal have begun their pre season campaign in impressive style. Defeating Barnet 4-0 and doughty Austrian outfit SK Sturm Graz 3-0, the Gunners look well placed to once again begin the 2010/2010 season in emphatic style.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is hoping 10/11 will be a turning point for the North London side. The Gunners have gone the last five seasons without securing silverware and the upcoming campaign is Wenger's last on his contract. The two factors should hopefully but Wenger and his men in the right mind set to break their trophy drought.

Fans and critics are eager to witness how the Arsenal team will perform. Wenger boasts a phenomenal amount of talented youngster who the Frenchman has developed strongly over the years.

Now with many of his squad blessed with sufficient experience to enable them to thrive in the Premier and Champions League. Arsenal are looking in good touch.

Last season the likes of Alexandre Song, Nicklas Bendtner and Aaron Ramsey all matured greatly and began to show their true potential. This season should be no different for the Arsenal young guns as these five are set to thrive.

6. Håvard Nordtveit

When the promising Norwegian defender was signed from FK Haugesund in June 2007, Nodtveit was touted as the brightest defensive prospect in Europe. Now after three loan spells with Spanish Segunda side UD Salamanca, Norwegian outfit Lillestrom and German giants FC Nurenberg, Nordtveit is ready for his much anticipated Arsenal début.

Still only 20 years old, Nordtveit is expected to be a promising defender for Arsenal.

Blessed with pace, strength and height, the Norwegian is capable of playing anywhere along the back line and as a defensive midfielder. With Arsenal yet to sign another defender after Laurent Koscienly despite allowing Philippe Senderos, William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre depart due to contract expiry. Nodtveit is set to take up a vital role in the Arsenal backline.

5. Johan Djourou 

The imposing Swiss centre half enjoyed a strong 2008/2009 before a severe leg injury whilst away on international duty saw Djourou miss the whole of 2009/2010 bar the final game. Thankfully, the 23 year old has returned to full fitness and will be eager to reinstate his presence onto the Arsenal roster.

With William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre and Philippe Senderos no longer part of the Arsenal backline, Djourou is set to be one of the leaders and enforcers alongside Thomas Vermaelen in the Arsenal backline.

The former Etoile Carouge FC backman is a strong and solid centre half who boasts fine control as well as a strong head. At 6'4'', Djourou welcome return will ensure there is much needed aggression, power and height in the Arsenal back four.

4. Carlos Vela

Assuming the speedy Mexican forward is not sold in the fast ending Summer, Carlos Vela should be a vital part of the Arsenal attack. Since arriving back from two loan spells with Spanish sides UD Salamanca and Osasuna, the 21 year old has shown glimpses of impressive talent but has failed to find premium playing time.

Quick, tricky and blessed with a vicious strike, Vela is a handful for defenders. Whether it is on the wing or in the middle the 5'10'' Mexican sensation can create blistering goals out of nothing. Now having gained sufficient experience, Vela is ready to step forward and become an integral part of the Arsenal roster.

Likely to be utilized off the bench as a game changer or impact player, expect more goals from Mr. Vela.

3.Jack Wilshere

After bursting onto the World Football stage in 2008 as a baby faced 16 year old, Jack Wilshere has been destined for glory in English football. The 18 year old has worked his way up through the Arsenal academy ranks sine the tender age of nine and has now become one of the most sought out, promising teens in World Football.

After spending 2008/2009 as a fringe player playing predominantly in the Carling and FA Cup with a the odd Premier League appearance. Wilshere was then loaned to Bolton Wanderers in January 2010. The young gun was phenomenal whilst at the Reebok proving he is ready to be part of the Arsenal squad.

Capable of playing in the midfield, or as a winger/second striker. It is likely Wilshere will be a vital part of the Cup sides before he is really given a serious Premier League run. That saying Wenger may opt to have Wilshere loaned out again to develop further. Either way watch out.

2. Wojciech Szczensy

Arsenal keeper problems have gradually gotten worse over the last few years. The lack of a reliable presence in between the sticks has continued to frustrate fans and many see the keeper problems is one of the glaring reasons why Arsenal are not succeeding with trophies.

However Wojciech Szczensy could provide the cure. The 20 year old has been touted by Wenger as not only the future Arsenal number one but as one of next best keepers in European football.

Szczsensy has overcome a variety of odd injuries and recently completed a more than successful loan spell with League One side Brentford. The spell saw the Polish shot stopper receive a host of praise for his efforts.

The keeper unpronounceable name has made his intentions clear he is eager to nail down the Number one role. Despite Wenger in the market for a new keeper there is every chance Szczensy could make the dominant keeper role his own this season.

1. Samir Nasri   

Samir Nasri enjoyed a stellar début season for Arsenal in 2008/2009. Then a pre-season injury saw the French dynamo miss the opening months of 09/10 before returning and finishing the campaign strongly.

After arriving to the Emirates for French giants Marseille as a replacement for Alexandre Hleb, Nasri has become a huge part of the Arsenal line up. Although the 23 year old does have a tendency to be inconsistent and drift in an out of games, he has a huge future and now with two seasons of English Premier League experience under his belt, 2010/2011 should be the season of Samir.