One of Arsène Wenger’s longest serving young Gunners, classy midfielder Mark Randall was handed a Champions League debut against FC Twente in 2008, 3 months after completing a loan spell with Championship outfit Burnley.

Mark was promoted to Wenger’s first team three years ago, and has been a regular in the traditional pre-season camp in Austria, becoming a key component in a often youthful side. Wenger is known to be a huge fan of the Milton Keynes born youngster, valuing his maturity, versatility, and natural football talents.

His big break came in 2007. A Carling Cup start against Blackburn gave him the chance to show case his Reserves form and then a late substitute appearance in the Semi-Finals againstTotteham at the Emirates. Unfortunately a defeat in the second leg ended any chance of a winners medal.

Following the Gunners exit from the FA Youth Cup, Randall was loaned to Burnley to gain vital experience. His spell their was dogged by a back problem, but he still shone when given the opportunity, nearly inspiring the Clarets to a play-off place.

He returned ahead of the 2008-2009 campaign and a rejuvenated Mark played 45 minutes against Barnet in pre-season, before a handful of minutes in Austria and Germany. He would go on to play against Sevilla in the Emirates Cup and then win the Herbert Chapman Trophy with a fantastic performance against Huddersfield Town.

The explosive start to his season set him up perfectly for a starting role in the Carling Cup – a competition that had previously eluded him. Forming an exciting midfield partnership with Aaron Ramsey, Randall was an ever present as the Gunners went all the way to the Quarter-Finals. However, his former outfitBurnley sent Arsenal crashing out on a frustrating evening.

It seemed like the 19-year-old never got over the disappointment of going out the Cup as he completed the season with several lack luster performances for the Reserves. That said, he finished as the second string’s top scorer with 4 well taken goals. After penning a new contract in September 2008,Wenger gave Mark a run out in the final Premier League game of the season at Portsmouth. It showed just how highly rated the midfielder is by his French manager.

Name: Mark Randall
Nickname: ‘Marky’
Age: 19
Nationality: English
International: Yes Under 17
Position: Centre Midfield
Height: 183cm
Previous Clubs: Northampton Town, Burnley (Loan)
Contract : Professional