Arsenal FC: 5 Young Guns Who Could Have a Big Impact in the Future

Even though the Carling Cup loss to Manchester City was unfortunate, it reaffirmed one thing: Arsenal have a great crop of young players coming through.

With the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Emmanuel Frimpong, Francis Coquelin and other shining young talents coming through the ranks, Arsenal could be stocked with world-class talent for years to come.

Though many have hounded Arsene Wenger for putting so much of his faith in youth over the years, it appears as if, with the right amount of nurturing experience finally in place, this crop of youngsters can terrorize the Premier League for years to come.

So, without further ado, here are just a few of those bright young talents who could transform the club as soon as they come of age.

Enjoy.

Emmanuel Frimpong

Young Frimpong is a rapidly rising talent, and his raw potential is just staggering. A gritty, tough and extremely skilled bundle of enthusiasm, he adds immense strength and determination to the Gunners midfield.

Against Manchester City, he showed that he has matured somewhat from his red card against Liverpool in September, which is really the only flaw in his game.

A loan spell in January would do the Ghanian very well, as getting some regular minutes and being taught how to further control and channel his zeal for the game are the final steps in the development of a very promising player.

Also, his feud with and hatred of Samir Nasri can only make him a better player. What could be better than the anti-Nasri?

Nico Yennaris

With Bacary Sagna out until February and another young gun in Carl Jenkinson to compete with, we may be seeing more of Mr. Yennaris sooner rather than later.

The young right back has been given time in the Carling Cup this season to prove his worth, and has done well both at right back and on the right side of midfield.

Having just been given a contract extension recently, it is clear that the brass of the club are quite high on the young Yennaris, and he could have many more opportunities to show himself worthy of the manager's long-term plans as long as the right back position is one of uncertainty for Arsenal.

The more competition the better, especially between young lads fighting for places like Jenkinson and Yennaris.

Francis Coquelin

In essence, Francis Coquelin is a more cultured and developed version of Emmanuel Frimpong.

That is why he is slightly ahead of his midfield competitor in the pecking order, and this is why he may feature in Arsene Wenger's plans sooner than his friendly rival.

Very comfortable on the ball, and very solid in defence, Coquelin is a very capable deputy to Alex Song, although his itch for first-team football can only be good for competition within the squad.

Coquelin is certainly one of the best young prospects in the Arsenal system, and it will be interesting to see how he continues to develop.

As an aside, if someone can tell me in the comments how Francis Coquelin's name is pronounced in French, I would greatly appreciate it.

Ryo Miyaichi

Though he is currently out with an ankle sprain, the young Japanese winger has plenty of time ahead of him to show his tremendous talent and potential.

Blessed with outstanding pace and superb technical skill, the soon-to-be 19-year-old forward is as dynamic a player as there is, and can truly turn a game on its head. He has technical skill like Andrei Arshavin and pace like Theo Walcott. 

With players like Arshavin floundering and failing to impress, it can only be good to have a precocious young talent nipping at the Russian's heels to keep him motivated, always ready to take away his place in the side.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

And last, we come to the greatest gem that Arsenal have at the moment: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The 18-year-old Brit possesses the ability to be a creator through the middle of the park or terrorize fullbacks on the wing with his pace and technique. And, as he showed against City, he is not afraid to rip a shot when he gets a chance, because he knows he has the ability to score from them.

The fact that he was by far the most dangerous and effective player on either side against the richest and deepest football squad in the world was just an indication of how much this boy has.

I am truly at a loss over which is the best way to deploy "The Ox," but that is a conundrum the manager will welcome, and that is what he is paid to do.

He will surely enjoy pondering this question with all of the brilliant talents on this list.