Fabrice Muamba
Congo-born Fabrice Muamba has witnessed it all in his 18 years, from the Second Congo War to a life in Walthamstow via England Under-19 captaincy. For his rough ride, Muamba has emerged as one of Arsenal’s greatest prospects, even if his story is hidden amongst the fellow talent at the club.
Inevitable comparisons have been made with previous Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, whom Muamba came to for advice before the Frenchman’s departure to Italy. Although not the finished article, Muamba’s powerful build and dexterity in controlling the midfield has ensured rapid progress to the front of the lengthy queue of youngsters.
Muamba elected to play for England, and future coaches of the national side may be grateful for such a selection, for the player on loan at Birmingham has suitably impressed at U16, U17 and now U19 level. His tenacity and work ethic can potentially add the missing component to England’s midfield at senior level, and Steve Bruce took an immediate liking. He regularly plays Muamba as Birmingham push for promotion while labelling him as “very competitive”, unlike Arsenal’s current crop of “silky, skilful types”.
Muamba, perhaps most interestingly, has blossomed relatively late – yet he is keen to work at and improve his game continually – so expect an even greater rate of development over the next 12 months.
Francisco Merida Perez
Those who have followed Cesc Fabregas’ rise will see the similarities in how Arsène Wenger shrewdly snatched Fran Merida away from the Barcelona youth factory which simply cannot satisfy all the terrific talent it manages to produce every year. Merida will turn 17 in March, yet decided in the summer of 2006 that he would leave his beloved Barcelona and start a new life in London – a huge risk whatever talent he possessed.
Gooners started to tremble in anticipation at just what a player Merida could be after a scorching goal in August last year, a 25-yard effort against Ryman League side Boreham Wood – although it was a shot worthy of the Champions League. The precedent was set and already Merida has the backing of the fans to become as great a success as compatriot Fabregas.
Merida’s technical ability sets him apart from rivals in central, or indeed left, midfield. Like the majority of Wenger’s foreign imports, Merida can slip seamlessly into Arsenal’s slick passing style and exemplary movement, while also importantly creating opportunities for the front men.
Arsenal’s reserve side manager, Neil Banfield, believes the future is bright for the teenage prodigy: “Fran’s a smashing player. He’s come in, he’s settled in, he’s one of the lads and I can’t speak highly enough of him. He’s got a fantastic attitude, and he’s a really good footballer. He’s only 16, and has got that spirit that we like.”
The Catalan midfielder is unlikely to bud as prematurely as Fabregas, but there is little doubt over the skill he possesses and his excellent long-term prospects as Arsenal’s youngest phenomenon.
Nicklas Bendtner
While Arsenal’s young prodigies have fared so brilliantly in the Carling Cup, another youngster, Nicklas Bendtner, has been enjoying the regular first-team football that may be so crucial in his development; a season limited to the reverses and the domestic cups would have done him little good. The 19-year-old Dane is spending the season aiding Birmingham’s promotion bid and has impressed to the extent that Lyon and AC Milan have been linked with him.
Back in Denmark, where he has long since been marked out as a prodigy, he has become a mini celebrity, even appearing in FHM. Bendtner’s quality has never been doubted in his homeland; coaches spotted his fine technique from an early age – he made 24 appearances for Danish youth sides, despite outgrowing the Under 21s while still just 18.
The Dane’s aptitude for Championship football was confirmed in his very first game for Birmingham – he scored a superb late winner after coming on from the bench. That winner, though only against Colchester United, immediately marked him out as a future Arsenal star. He has added a further nine goals since and, even if his inconsistency can be infuriating, he will surely be given an opportunity at Arsenal next campaign.
Bendtner uses his 6ft3in frame to great effect, but it is his ball-control and vision that sets him apart – like so many recent Arsenal forwards, he also excels at bringing others into play. Equally, he has no doubt about his own ability – when asked about his chances of making it at Arsenal in light of the form shown by Messrs Adebayor and van Persie this season, he simply said “I am just as good as all the others”. And few would dispute that: Bendtner is already a key figure for the Danish national side, scoring on his debut against Poland.
Carlos Vela
Arsenal’s scouting network is perhaps the world’s finest – and Carlos Vela may be further proof of that. The Mexican was the outstanding player at the 2005 Under 17 World Cup, taking the golden boot with his five goals and leading his country to a 3-0 win over Brazil in the final. Within a few months, Arsenal announced they had signed him from Mexican club Guadalajara. But this aroused great controversy: Guadalajara claimed they received a fee for him, yet Fifa rules prevent inter-continental transfers of under-18s.
Arsenal then encountered work-permit difficulties, and loaned him immediately to Celta Viga. There, Vela encountered more problems – the club could not find room for him in their side; last summer, he moved to second tier club Salamanca on loan.
And now it is clear what all the fuss was about. Vela, still only 17, has terrorised defences with his pace and phenomenal close skill, regularly rampaging through defences en route to goal. Like Bendtner, he scored on his debut for the club. Two goals against Alaves in early November were particularly spectacular – Vela showcased his ability to beat defenders with contemptuous ease, and scored a goal with either foot.
Vela has been playing on the left of midfield – his versatility counts amongst his many strengths – and has already scored seven goals, despite missing two months with a knee injury. The Mexican has earned cult status amongst fans for his puppyish ebullience, while Marca, somewhat prematurely, called him “the new Hugo Sanchez”. Salamanca should treasure him while they can: he turns 18 in March and will no doubt be wanted at Arsenal.
