Arsenal: 6 Key Players That Need to Pan out for Arsene Wenger and the Gunners

Arsenal FC have a wealth of young talent in their possession and the club has not been secretive about their style of football.

Arsene Wenger has implemented a policy of signing young players and developing them at London Colney. 

The Gunners had one of their worst ever starts to a season this year, and many critics began to ponder whether or not Arsenal had the talent to remain an elite club. 

The following is a list of players that need to pan out for Arsenal to stay competitive. 

Francis Coquelin

Francis Coquelin was awarded his Premier League debut in Manchester United's 8-2 thrashing of Arsenal at Old Trafford earlier this season. For our purposes, let's just forget that game.

Since then, Coquelin has demonstrated superb tackling abilities in the midfield. 

His abilities were showcased in this season's first installment of the North London Derby, in which Coquelin put in a man-of-the-match performance.

He disrupted midfield passing, he made clean and intelligent tackles, and his positioning was spot on.

If Arsenal are going to compete in the future, Coquelin is going to be one to watch.  

Aaron Ramsey

Aaron Ramsey has been thrust into the first team this season after the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. 

While Ramsey has made key contributions to the team at points, I'm still unconvinced by the young Welshman. 

He put in an absolutely horrid display against Tottenham; although he scored Arsenal's only goal, he was careless in possession and gave the ball away far too many times. 

If Arsenal are going to push for trophies, the Welshman is going to need to step up to the plate and really prove he's worthy of the Arsenal shirt. 

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

After scoring in his Champions League debut against Olympiakos, the Englishman has become an Arsenal fan favorite. 

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain plays down the right wing, a position that has been occupied by Theo Walcott in recent seasons. 

Oxlade-Chamberlain is a much better crosser than Walcott however, which is a key attribute that the most prolific wingers possess. 

While Oxlade-Chamberlain currently looks a fantastic signing and a talent in the making, he's going to have to maintain his impressive form for Arsenal to stay at the top in the future. 

Ignasi Miquel

Ignasi Miquel is one of Arsenal's only young defenders. In the wake of last year's defensive crisis, Miquel was handed a couple of league starts. 

Miquel did look somewhat proficient in his starts, however he didn't do anything to really impress. 

After the Gunners' recent defensive signing, Miquel is unlikely to get any first team action this year; this may be a benefit to the Gunners.

Miquel needs to use his time in the academy to develop a strong fundamental basis in defensive football. Aside from Thomas Vermaelen, the Gunners do not have a commanding centre-back.

If Miquel can learn to play this role, the Spaniard may be key in helping Arsenal to a renaissance in the later parts of this decade.  

Wojciech Szczesny

Wojciech Szczesny has established himself as one of the Premier League's best shot-stoppers. However, as a complete goalie, the Polish international still has a long way to go.

Szczesny has put in a number of terrific performances for Arsenal in recent times and has arguably been Arsenal's best player this season (aside from Robin van Persie).

Despite all this, positioning has been a nagging problem with the young keeper.A prime example would be in last Sunday's match against Sunderland.

Szczesny found himself outside of the box in no man's land, and was forced into a swift clearance after maneuvering away from pressure.  

While Szczesny has certainly demonstrated enough ability to be Arsenal's Ikar Casillas, the Pole still has a lot of work to do. But if he pans out, he will be invaluable to the Gunners. 

Emmanuel Frimpong

Emmanuel Frimpong has been an interesting squad member this season. At times, he has demonstrated strength, determination and a ball-winning ability that has been sorely missed at the Emirates. 

However, he has also demonstrated immaturity, clumsiness and a temper that has made him a liability in the first team.

Frimpong does look to be a very terrific player; if he learns to control himself he's going to be a force in the Premier League. 

Frimpong may be the most important young player that needs to come to fruition. If he can realize the role that has been cut out for him, he is going to help Arsenal reach some amazing heights.