Arsenal’s emerging youngsters are some of the most talked about and analysed in world football. The intrigue as to who Arsène Wenger will pluck from the youth ranks and turn into a star next keeps fans and the wider media constantly keeping an eye on those showing even the slightest glimpse of potential.
Wenger shows no signs of ending his infamous youth policy in 2011, so who are the top 10 players that Gooners and those with an interest in the club should be keeping their eye trained on this year? Young Guns will attempt to answer that question.
You can read part one of our two part special on the top 10 Arsenal prospects to watch in 2011 below.
10. Kyle Ebecilio
Who? – Kyle is a powerful central midfielder who was signed from Dutch club Feyenoord in July. He has been on the fringes of the Reserve team, but will be a regular in the FA Youth Cup team.
Why? – Ebecilio has only been at the club a matter of months, but he’s already leaving an impression. Arsène Wenger was very impressed with his performance when watching the Under 18′s crush Darlington in the Youth Cup, and with his fantastic range of short and long passes, coupled with powerful physique and style, he fits the bill of a typical Arsenal player.
9. Ryo Miyaichi
Who? – Ryo is a Japanese winger who signed for Arsenal as a free agent in January 2011. He did well in a trial with the Reserves in the summer, and agreed on a deal on transfer deadline day. However, he will move to Holland on loan after Arsenal had an attempt to win a work permit rejected.
Why? – Miyaichi is just the type of player fans love. A touchline hugging winger, comfortable with either foot and full of tricks and skills. Add that to his electric pace and you’ve got a fans favourite in the making. How he performs on loan and whether he can improve on his fitness will be a matter of intrigue.
8. Wellington Silva
Who? – Wellington is a winger who can play as a striker. He signed for Arsenal last January, but completed his move earlier this month. Like Miyaichi, he also proved unsuccessful in his attempts to win a work permit, so has joined La Liga side Levante on loan until the end of the season.
Why? – Silva is some what of an enigma with Arsenal fans. He’s earned a reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in the world, based on some scintillating performances in the Reserves and in flashes on YouTube videos. The loan with Levante will test just how ready he is to make an impact if Arsenal win a work permit for him in the summer. It will also be a huge test of his much talked about attitude, which has seen him fall out with a selection of coaches.
7. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
Who? – Jay is a tall and skillful forward, who can play anywhere except in goal. He is a product of the Arsenal Academy and has been on the fringes of the first-team for two seasons. In 2010 he enjoyed two loan spells in the Championship, as well as some Premier League and Champions League minutes.
Why? – Emmanuel-Thomas finds himself in an impossible situation. He is yet to take his chances and burst through into the first-team, but is clearly too good to play in the Championship. A Premier League loan is the most sensible option, but finding a club to give regular minutes to an often inconsistent young forward is difficult.
Wenger has shown his faith in Jay, but his attitude issues coupled with mixed performances leaves him struggling to impose himself. While very talented and an exciting prospect when in full flow, 2011 will most likely be a year where the youngster either sinks or swims.
6. Henri Lansbury
Who? – Henri is a versatile midfielder and another product of the Academy. He is the longest serving player at Arsenal, although has enjoyed several loan spells, both in League One and most recently the Championship. He has also featured in the Carling Cup and briefly in the Premier League.
Why? – Wenger says he counts on Lansbury for the future, but it’s hard to see where he fits without players leaving. The youngster, a regular with England Under 21′s, scored against Tottenham in the Carling Cup in 2010 but didn’t get a chance he probably merited in the first-team. Instead he was farmed out on loan to Norwich where it looks likely that he’ll complete the season.
Henri has bags of potential and is clearly a favourite with the manager and fans. Whether he’ll keep being patient and waiting for a chance with such a blossoming reputation developing, it’s certainly one to follow.
You can catch part two and the top five Arsenal youngsters to watch in 2011 in the coming days.