12. Carlos Vela

Carlos Vela made his Arsenal debut a whole 18 months after signing for the Club. On the evidence so far, he has been worth the wait.

The Mexican youngster joined the Club from Celta Vigo in January 2007 but spent the next season and a half gaining valuable experience in Spain. After a stint with Salamanca he helped Osasuna escape relegation before joining up with Arsenal's first-team squad in the summer.

Carlos made an instant impact with Arsenal, netting four times in two games during pre-season. His close control and finishing ability have already caught the eye, not least when he ghosted past former Gunner Jens Lehmann in the win at Stuttgart. Carlos, who can play as a deep-lying striker or out wide, will now be hoping to make his mark in the Premier League.

A Mexican youth international, Carlos shot to prominence in 2005 when he helped Mexico win the FIFA Under-17 World Championships, scoring five goals to scoop the tournament's Golden Boot. It was Mexico's first world title at any level and served notice of Carlos' huge potential.

 

MY YEAR

May

Carlos was involved in four of May’s five matchday squads, starting once. In that game – against Portsmouth on Saturday 2nd – the Mexican fired his first Premier League goal for the Club in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory at Fratton Park.

April

Carlos made the bench for five of Arsenal’s eight games in April but the Mexican didn’t make it onto the pitch. After a visit from his family members halfway through the month, the 20-year-old missed training amid swine flu fears.

March

Carlos was included in all six of March’s matchday squads and marked the month with another sublime chip, this time against Burnley. The striker raced into the area before delicately dinking the ball over Brian Jensen. “I'm more relaxed here now,” he told the Official Matchday Programme during March. “I think I have improved a lot from playing against teams at the top level here in England.”

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