Six young talents playing for Arsenal: Part 1

Arsenal has been producing homegrown talent since Arsene Wenger took over the club to compete with the best of the best in international football . From Fabregas to Nasri who left this past summer in search of greener pastures to Szczesny and Wilshere who have pledged loyalty to the club AW has shown time and again his capability to turn talented youngsters into world beaters. Lets now take a look at some of Arsenals most promising youngsters playing in midfield and attacking roles.

ALEX OXLADE CHAMBERLAIN

The very highly rated signing from Southampton has been a revelation of sorts this past season. Scoring three goals and providing three assists this season, does little to justify the talent that AOC actually is. The truth is that he has been in blistering form this season, toying with world class teams with his powerful build, speed and technical ability. He has been a regular for the England under 21s and is now touted to be selected to represent England in the Euros. He is definitely one for the future and Wenger knows this as he is carefully nurturing the OX for future glory.

RYO MIYACHI

The 19 year old impressed Arsene wenger in the trials after only having played high school level football in Japan and was loaned to Feyenoord after signing for Arsenal. He returned to Arsenal this season after contributing three goals and five assists in 12 games for the Dutch club. Despite never playing for Arsenal in the premier league, his cup appearances for the club have been impressive . He is currently on loan to Bolton Wanderers where he has already been voted as player of the month . Wenger is giving Miyachi some much needed premier league experience and I am sure that he will break into Arsenal’s first team very soon.

BENIK AFOBE

Touted as a potential world class striker by another world class striker (Robin van Persie) this English youngster is one of the gunners hottest talents. Joining Arsenal at the age of six, this prolific striker is now on loan at Reading. Afobe has been part of the England U16s, 17s, 19s, 20s…..with only injury ruling him out of an appearance for the U 21s. He equaled Michael Owens goals record in the U 16 and is held in high regard for his pace, power and finishing. A substitute appearance in the second for the gunners in the Emirates cup 2011 against the New York red bulls ensured that Arsenal fans will not forget him so easily.

CHUKS ANEKE

Arsenal fans will not forget him so easily either ….. one because of his brilliant attacking and defending capabilities, playing in the center midfield position and two because of his reportedly telepathic connection with Benik Afobe. Chuks, now having signed to play for Nigeria, may not have had a successful loan spell at Stevenage but his prowess in creating and breaking down attacks has not gone unnoticed by the Arsene Wenger. The young man is a key player in the reserves team scoring seven in eight appearances and providing numerous assists. The play-maker also managed a hat-trick in front of Wenger which I am sure will help his case as he pushes for a spot in Arsenals regulars in the coming seasons.

OGUZAHN OZYAKUP

Is probably one of Arsenals most promising prospects in recent years. Another central midfielder playing for the reserves, he is renown for his dribbling and uncanny ability to set up goals which have led to comparisons with Cesc Fabregas. He has scored four times for the reserves in eight appearances and has lead the Holland u17s to the finals of the youth European championships as team captain. He is believed by many to be next big thing in Arsenal’s midfield.

THOMAS EISFELD

He was signed in the winter transfer window this season and has only added to the frustration of gooners who (me included) were ranting on Arsenal not buying quality and proven talent. Hence his potential has been completely overlooked . He was immediately asked to play for the reserves upon signing and impressed everyone with his technique and precise distribution which set up the first goal in a 2-0 victory over Swansea city. This German youngster is a product of Borussia Dortmund‘s academy where he caught the eye of Arsenal scouts. He is definitively one for the future.

For the next installment, click here: Part 2