Arsenal FC: Picking a Gunners Team for the 2015 Season

For the past five or so years, Arsenal's youngsters have always been heralded as "a team for the future." In past years, the Arsenal academy grew famed for producing talents such as Tony Adams, Ashley Cole and of course most recently Jack Wilshere.

In essence, the academy has always provided the club with a perfect outlet for self-sustainability as far as creating talent for the future was concerned. While other clubs have relied on buying players, Arsenal have, especially in recent years, focused more on nurturing talented youth.

The outcome, understandably, is a crop of highly touted youngsters with immense talent, expected to carry on through the ranks and one day make their mark on the first team.

In sticking with this principle—that of self-sustainability—this slideshow aims to provide an idea of how an Arsenal's team would line up in 2015.

Enjoy.

GK: Wojciech Szczęsny

What is there to say about a player on which so much has already been said.

Wojciech Szczesny provides that security between the posts that Arsenal fans had been crying out for since the retirement of Jens Lehmann. A great shot stopper, commanding in the area and not short of confidence, Szczesny has been a revelation for the Arsenal faithful. And at just 21, with all the tell-tale signs of a true "Gooner," it seems the Pole is here for the long haul.

Simply put, Arsenal have found a "No. 1" worthy of holding the spot for the next 10 years. Minimum. 

RB: Carl Jenkinson

A virtual unknown upon his arrival to North London, Carl Jenkinson has put in a string of some really impressive appearances for a 19-year-old that wasn't even playing competitive football over a year ago. 

And considering Arsene Wenger readily transferred out Bacary Sagna's only other deputy, Emmanuel Eboue, upon Jenkinson's arrival, it's safe to say he's a player the manager believes can play an integral part in the Gunners' future.

Expect him to be first-choice right back in five years time, with a possible deputy of his own by then.

CB: Ignasi Miquel

Another Barcelona academy recruit that Arsene Wenger seems to have snatched up, Ignasi Miquel is already highly regarded in his native Spain as a definite prospect for the future.

Having already appeared for the Gunners on numerous occasions this season, Miquel seems to know his way around the back as he's yet to put a foot wrong in the tackle. He was also an ever-present in the Spanish Under-19 team that won the 2011 European Championship, playing in every minute of every game.

And at just 19 years of age, it's safe to Miquel is someone the Gunners faithful may yet see a lot more of in years to come.

CB: Thomas Vermaelen (C)

I predict Arsenal strongman Thomas Vermaelen to be the team captain by 2015. Considering he'd still just be 30 years of age, it's also safe to assume that he'll still be a shoo-in to Arsene Wenger's starting XI.

It's worth noting that he's highly regarded by the manager, unsurprisingly. Having already signed a four-year extension (which would keep him at the club till 2015), look out for Vermaelen to lead Arsenal from the back during that transitional time when experience is seasoned professionals make way for younger players.

LB: Kieran Gibbs

Despite making a bit of a slow start as his replacement to Gael Clichy, Kieran Gibbs has put in a string of some improved performances as of late. 

Already highly regarded by most Arsenal fans, Gibbs seems to be a very typical "Arsenalized" left back—he bombards forward to no end, sometimes leaving costly space at the back.

Nevertheless, at just 22, expect Gibbs to hit his peak by the time 2015 comes around. Most sides of the Emirates will be hoping that by then at least, the mercurial left back is able to put his niggling injury concerns behind him.

CDM: Alex Song

In the past two years, Alex Song went from being an unproven youngster to an automatic first-team starter. His performances in that period have been nothing short of stellar, as he's endeared himself to the Emirates faithful and securing a place in their hearts.

By the time 2015 comes around, Alex Song may well be Arsenal's vice captain. He'll be 28 years old then—the time most midfielders hit their peak. If his peak is yet to come, Arsenal fans may yet be in for a treat as the next four years progresses.

CM: Jack Wilshere

Jack Wilshere's inclusion in this list is hardly surprising, nor is it one requiring much explanation.

A graduate of the Arsenal academy, Wilshere enjoyed his breakout season last year where he fitted in seamlessly in the middle of the park, playing the "deep lying playmaker" role behind Cesc Fabregas. 

Wilshere is also a genuine "Gooner" who's already touted as a future England, and possible Arsenal, captain. By the time 2015 comes around, he'll only be 23 and nearing his peak. It's almost impossible to imagine an Arsenal team without the midfield maestro in the centre of it.

CM: Aaron Ramsey

A player touted as Cesc Fabregas' natural replacement, Aaron Ramsey continues to improve and impress on his long road back from his horrific injury nightmare.

A midfielder gifted with an array of passing and shooting skill set, Ramsey can be deployed in the traditional "No. 10" role right behind the striker or even deeper in the midfield. Either way, at only 20 years of age, it's safe to say Arsenal have a combative midfielder that they could yet employ for years to come.

RW: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Having impressed in nearly every outing this season, at just 18 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is definitely "one for the future." Arsene Wenger really seems to think so. After all, he did dish out a reported (possible) £15 million with "add-ons" for the youngster.

With Theo Walcott's Arsenal future looking increasingly unclear following subpar performances and continual linkage abroad, it seems "Walcott 2.0" may just be the man set to take up the right flank in Arsenal's attacking line.

LW: Gervinho

Gervinho is a player blessed with just about everything a modern-day winger would need. Pace, accelerations and trickery are just some traits the Ivorian possesses, as he's quickly turning heads with his direct approach.

Already seemingly favoured over Andrei Arshavin, expect to see Gervinho barraging down the flanks for years to come in an Arsenal strip.

ST: Joel Campbell

Perhaps a surprising choice given the other options, Joel Campbell though is already showing signs of lethalness and maturity at his loan spell with French side FC Lorient.

Campbell is gifted with speed, strength and a definite eye for goal. Finishing as the top scorer at the 2011 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, he definitely seems like a player that could rise to prominence over the coming years with the right tutelage from Arsene Wenger.

Subs

Substitutes:

Vito Mannone (GK)

Ryo Miyaichi (R/LW)

Johan Djourou (CB/RB)

Francis Coquelin (CDM/RB)

Henri Lansbury (CM)

Kyle Bartley (CB)

Jon Toral (CM)