12. Carlos Vela

Some stunning cameo roles during his first season in North London have made Carlos one of the Club’s most exciting attacking prospects.
 
The Mexican officially signed from Celta Vigo in 2007 but spent the subsequent 18 months learning his trade on the continent. First he featured for Salamanca in the Segunda Division before helping Osasuna avoid relegation from La Liga in 2007/08.
 
He announced his arrival in the Gunners’ first-team as early as pre-season, netting four times in two games, but he saved his best for a much bigger stage. On his full debut for the Club, Arsenal’s Carling Cup Third Round tie against Sheffield United, the striker hit a glorious hat-trick.
 
His second goal of the evening was a delicate chip over the stranded goalkeeper. It was a finish which would soon become his trademark. Another one followed as the Gunners brushed aside Wigan in Round Four before the Mexican repeated the trick against Plymouth in the FA Cup.
 
His first Premier League goal wasn’t long in coming either, with Carlos firing Arsenal’s third in a classy 3-0 victory over Portsmouth in May. That strike brought his tally to six goals in just 10 starts in 2008/09. Exemplary for a player who spent many of his minutes on the wing.
 
Assured in possession and blessed with bags of flair, Carlos could be the one to watch this season.

 

MY YEAR

January

Carlos featured in five of Arsenal's seven games in January, and signed a new long-term contract with the Club. Shortly after putting pen to paper on the deal, he spoke exclusively to Arsenal TV Online. "I'm very happy to sign this new contract," he said. "I'm very happy to be spending more years with Arsenal Football Club. I want to work hard and help this great club win as many trophies as possible."

December

Carlos Vela made five appearances for Arsenal in December and signed a new long-term contract with the Club. “I’m very excited to be spending more years with Arsenal," he said after signing the deal. "I want to stay here for a long time and it’s a great responsibility. I will keep working hard to help this great Club win trophies and to show the boss and all the fans why I’m here.”

October

Carlos' 90th-minute goal helped Mexico secure their place at next summer's World Cup with a 4-1 win over El Salvador. He missed the Carling Cup clash with Liverpool due to a knee injury and did not feature in the North London derby either.

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