Arsenal: Jack Wilshere and 10 Arsenal Teenagers Set To Be Superstars
Arsenal are known for their youth.
Arsene Wenger has always had an eye for the future talent and those he thought would make the future of Arsenal bright and fruitful.
His eye has almost always been on target, as well.
With the likes of Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas all spotted well in their youths and brought to Arsenal, they were molded and shaped into Gunners and helped bring success and glory to the faithful of North London.
Now, with a new wave of young talent coming through, let's take a look at those who will be future superstars.
Oguzhan Ozyakup
1 of 10Age: 19
Birth Date: September 23, 1992
Position: Midfielder
Country of Origin: The Netherlands
This Dutch midfield maestro is expected to break into the primary 23-man squad for Arsenal soon, as he has impressed in several games in the Reserves this year.
He has a keen eye for the lofted through-ball, somewhat hearkening back to the style played by Vieira and Fabregas with his eye-needle passes.
His only appearance for the first squad came this year in the Carling Cup win over Shrewsbury Town, but his presence is growing, so look out for this promising player to show up on a first-team sheet soon.
Here are some highlights of his skill set.
Luke Freeman
2 of 10Age: 19
Birth Date: March 22, 1992
Position: Forward
Country of Origin: England
This electrifying forward has been running rampant in the Reserves for Arsenal, as well as on loan for Yeovil Town last year.
He scored two goals in five starts and eight substitution appearances for Yeovil Town, but has been gradually increasing his form with his small-sided ability combined with his quick and deft touches.
Befitting the Arsenal stature mold, he may not be the tallest player, but he could certainly make a few headlines in the future.
Check out his two goals he scored for the Arsenal Reserves versus the Liverpool Reserves last season. You will also see glimpses of others who will be on this list, as well.
Chukwuemeka Aneke
3 of 10Age: 18
Birth Date: July 3, 1993
Position: Midfield
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Better known as "Chuks," this towering midfield presence has been recently touted as a young Yaya Toure, with his winding midfield runs, insightful passing and strong-arm style of midfield play.
Though he is Nigerian-born, he plays for the English U-19 side at this time, potentially proving to be an amazing addition to English sides of the future with his style of play and final-pass productivity.
Here are his season highlights from last season.
Ignasi Miquel
4 of 10Age: 19
Birth Date: September 28, 1992
Position: Defender
Country of Origin: Spain
Another brilliant defender out of Spain? Come on!
It seems the Spanish have the future working in their favor, as this Gerard Pique-esque defender has already broken into the first team for Arsenal and has shown that he is almost ready for the big time.
With his substitution appearance Liverpool in the Premier League in August, Miquel has taken it that step further and started against Shrewsbury Town in the Carling Cup, with several of his Reserve teammates.
Here he is playing against Leyton Orient a few months ago.
Benik Afobe
5 of 10Age: 18
Birth Date: February 12, 1993
Position: Forward
Country of Origin: England
Another future star for England and Arsenal?
Probably.
This tall, creative forward made a lasting impression as he came on as a substitute for Jack Wilshere in the Emirates Cup game against the New York Red Bulls and duly impressed.
He already has the Arsenal swagger about his play, now to see it implemented in a full game for the Gunners is something to come.
He played on loan for Huddersfield Town last season, scoring five goals in the process. He has decided to remain London-bound, as he could very well be called up as the season progresses this year.
Here are his instances in the play against New York this past July.
Ryo Miyaichi
6 of 10Age: 18
Birth Date: December 14, 1992
Position: Midfield
Country of Origin: Japan
Ryo Miyaichi has been recorded at covering 100 meters in a time of 10.84 seconds.
That is really quick.
Theo Walcott, another speedy winger, covered the same distance in 10.30 seconds.
What's that? Miyaichi has skill too?
Wow. This step-over king will be able to make a name for himself, with speed and skill to boot.
Take a look at some highlights from his loan spell at Feyenoord.
Emmanuel Frimpong
7 of 10Age: 19
Birth Date: January 10, 1992
Position: Midfield
Country of Origin: England
This rough-fighting, strong-armed midfielder has already made quite a name for himself in the Premier League, with only two starts and two substitution appearances.
The problem with that is that name has been stamped with a red card.
This is a good thing, though. Arsenal have not been known to fight for the ball.
Not since the days of Vieira and Ljungberg.
This sort of play may be exactly what they need.
Carl Jenkinson
8 of 10Age: 19
Birth Date: February 8, 1992
Position: Defender
Country of Origin: Finland
Carl Jenkinson has already made it into the Arsenal starting 11, especially since the fall of Sagna and his broken ankle.
It's a good thing though!
He is becoming a part of an increasingly confident back line for Arsenal, who attacks down the wings, follows runs and crosses an insane amount of times.
This type of hustle is good for the rebuilding Arsenal squad and he could easily cement himself as a star for Arsenal for the next decade.
As long as mistakes like this aren't made ever again.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
9 of 10Age: 18
Birth Date: August 15, 1993
Position: Midfielder
Country of Origin: England
Following the path Theo Walcott blazed from Southampton, "The Ox" has become one of the most fan-demanded Arsenal players to play, ever since his whirlwind appearance against Olympiakos in the Champions League Group Stage.
Oh, his performance against Iceland for the England U-21's wasn't too shabby either.
He is well on his way to becoming a huge superstar for both England and Arsenal as time passes.
Jack Wilshere
10 of 10Age: 19
Birth Date: January 1, 1992
Position: Midfield
Country of Origin: England
Another fantastic Englishman.
If England doesn't go far with just the youth from the Arsenal system in the future, something is seriously wrong.
Not to mention all the other talent being produced by the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
Anyways, Wilshere is one of the best young players on the planet. I feel pretty safe in saying that.
He has been spectacular for both club and country on several occasions and will more than likely be one of the key replacements for the aging duo of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
His superstar status, like his Arsenal counterparts, will just be seen in time.
When he returns from injury in January, Arsenal may just become the club to beat with the likes of these youth, combined with the rising form of the 11 out on the field, week in and week out.









