Wenger's Young Guns: Ranking the Top Ten Arsenal Youngsters of the Future
Since Arsene Wenger's predominantly successful and ultimately defining tenure at Arsenal began in 1996, the North London giants have been renowned for the exciting array of youngsters that stream through their academy, youth and reserve teams. A nursery for the best exciting talents of youth football, Wenger is an expert on nurturing and developing baby faced teenagers by gradually instilling sufficient professionalism, exposing them to the best facilities and tactics and of course strengthening their blossoming skill.
To establish a list would take some time due to the vast number of stars Wenger has emerged into World Football predominantly either for free or a minuscule price. Ashley Cole, Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy, Kolo Toure, Nicklas Bendtner and Alexandre Song are just a few superstars that emphasis Wenger's ability.
Although the French tactician may not have had as much success in terms of silverware in recent years but their is still a great deal for Arsenal fans to look forward to with a number of promising youngsters emerging in the Arsenal reserves and on loan spells in the lower leagues of England. Wenger alongside the presences of Steve Bould, Liam Brady and David Court, the reserve and youth coaches, currently boast some of the most exciting teenagers, some of which played a vital role in the Gunners 2009 youth FA Cup triumph.
So this slide show ranks the top ten youngsters of the future that Wenger has at his disposal. Whether they manage to break into the Arsenal first team remains to be unseen but there is no denying this group is a promising bunch.
10. Martin Angha
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The captain of the Switzerland U-16 side, Martin Angha is a highly touted defender who has been a superb performer in the Arsenal U-18 this campaign and is gradually beginning to make the transition to the reserves. The 17-year-old arrived from Swiss side FC Zurich as a 15-year-old on a school boy contract in 2009.
Blessed with impressive strength and speed, the Swiss is equally adept at both centre back and right back as Angha combines both height and pace strongly. Highly regarded in the Swiss capital, Martin Angha is a defender to watch in the future.
9. Kyle Ebecilio
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The Dutchman was highly chashed by Chelsea and Tottenham before eventually signing with Arsenal in 2010 due to Wenger's record with youngsters. Ebecilio was a consistent star in Dutch giants Feyenoord youth set up which attracted the eye of a number of big name clubs.
A smart, creative midfielder, the 17-year-old shows similar attacking and play making signs to that of Arsenal regulars Tomas Rosicky and Samir Nasri but the Dutch maestro is also a tenacious defender who can cut down attacks strongly. A handy goal scorer and creater, Kyle Ebecilio is destined for big things at the Emirates.
8. Jamie Edge
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A tough, no nonsense midfielder who combines incisive passing with strong tackling and general power. Edge signed from League Two outfit Cheltenham Town in 2009 after the Englishman had been on their first team roster since the age of 15.
The 18-year-old has been a standout performer for the U-18 this season and is likely to experience a loan cameo next season as well as bolstering the reserve attack. Edge is also tremendously versatile and quick who is capable of playing in the defensive line too.
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7. Benik Afobe
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A very highly-touted prospect, Benik Afobe is a strong, fast striker who was recently scouted by Barcelona as the Spanish giants looked to poach an Arsenal starlet. After impressing with the U-18 and reserves in recent season, the 18-year-old was rewarded with a loan spell to League One outfit Huddersfield Town in November.
Afobe has increased his appeal with solid displays for the Terriers. The English sharpshooter boasts 27 appearances with 5 goals and 7 assists, and is destined to challenge for first team opportunities next season before another inevitable loan spell.
6. Conor Henderson
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Henderson's strong displays in last years youth and reserve competition ensured the Irishman was heavily involved in the first team set up at the back end of last season. The 19-year-old has now been rewarded with a first team Arsenal debut which was granted in the FA Cup fifth round victory over League One side Leyton Orient.
Henderson is a strong, powerful midfielder who is blessed with both attacking prowess and defensive tenacity. Injuries have been present in recent years but the Irish U-21 star has shown great promise and determination to persistently battle for first team honors.
The midfielder is yet to experience any loan spells and is expected to receive a season long championship spell next season before eventually aiming to become a regular in the Arsenal midfield.
5. Chuks Aneke
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A immensely promising prospects, Chuks Aneke has been superb in the midfield this season for both the reserves and youth sides. An imposing, intelligent figure, the 17-year-old is tipped for big things in the red and white.
Aneke possesses tremendous awareness, passing and strength and is touted as combination of Arsenal's Alexandre Song and Abou Diaby. Still awaiting both his Arsenal and professional debut, Aneke is set to feature in a loan spell next season before ferociously challenging for a first team role.
4. Ryo Miyaichi
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It has been a rapid rise for Ryo Miyaichi, from Japanese High Schooler to European player. After trialing in the Summer of 2010 with the Gunners, the Japanese midfielder eventually signed to the Emirates in January 2011 despite a host of other clubs eagerly trying to secure Miyaichi services.
Shortly after signing for Wenger, the 18-year-old was loaned to Dutch giants Feyenoord where Miyaichi has become an instant star with some excellent displays. In nince appearances and 1 goal, the Japanese star has accumulated many praises for his speed, balance and attacking prowess. Many have labelled Miyaichi as the next Cristiano Ronaldo whilst the Dutch footballing media have nick named Arsenal's Asian dynamo as "Ryodinho" linking him with Brazilian hero Ronaldinho.
It is unclear whether Miyaichi will remain on loan next season or return to the first team fray and attempt to secure a regular place.
3. Ignasi Miguel
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A Barcelona reject, Ignasi Miguel is gradually baking humble pie for the Spanish kings as the Spaniard emerges as one of the best teenage defenders in Europe. A stellar 2009-10 reserve campaign which resulted in the 18-year-old receiving the reserve captaincy, however Miguel has gone from strength to strength in 2011 becoming a integral part of the Arsenal set up with frequent appearances on the Arsenal substitute bench and two features in the FA Cup.
A strong, decisive defender, the Spanish youngster is an imposing figure at 6'4" and has shown Wenger and Arsenal fans that he has much to offer the Arsenal back line.
2. Kyle Bartley
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Kyle Bartley has been hugely impressive in loan spells with Championship side Sheffield United and Scottish Premier League giants Rangers resulting in many believing the 19-year-old could potentially help eriadicate the occasional defensive woes that taint Arsenal.
The commanding centre back was superb for Sheffield United at the back end of last season and the first half of 2010-11, acquiring over 35 appearances for the Blades. In January the English defender joined SPL side Rangers and enjoyed a stellar stint where Bartley made his European debut in the UEFA Cup before a ligament injury curtailed his season.
At 6'4" and now greatly experience, Bartley is said to be a strong contender for a first team centre half role next season.
T1. Emmanuel Frimpong
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A stunning pre season with the Arsenal first team had Wenger and many other management figures excited about Frimpong's 2010-11 campaign. Set to be a consistent first team player a cruel ligament injury in the opening weeks of the season saw Frimpong absent for six months.
However the Ghanian has returned to full fitness and is gradually working himself back into the Arsenal first team picture. None the less there is no denying the ability of the 19-year-old who has earned similarity to Alexandre Song and personal hero Michael Essien.
A tough, tenacious defensive midfield, many believe next season will be the season of Emmanuel Frimpong.
T1. Henri Lansbury
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The last three seasons Henri Lansbury has gone from strength to strength, flourishing with loan spells and becoming a destined Arsenal first team. 2008-09 saw Lansbury spend the back half of the season with League One side Scunthorpe United in which the midfielder enjoyed a stellar spell.
2009-10 resulted in the 20-year-old enjoying the entire campaign in the Championship with Watford. Lansbury was one of the Hornets most consistent players with 37 league appearances and 5 goals. This season the English maestro was rewarded with a surprise inclusion in Arsenal's starting XI in the League Cup against rivals Tottenham. Lansbury didn't disappointed, securing his first Arsenal goal in the 4-1 thrashing.
Since November, Lansbury has been a vital presence in Norwich City's midfield as they push strongly for promotion to the English Premier League. The young gun has shown superb play maker skills as well as an adequate defensive presence. Many believe Henri Lansbury will take over from the ageing Tomas Rosicky next season.
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