28. Kieran Gibbs

Kieran will be looking to make the left-back spot his own in the years to come after enjoying a breakthrough season in 2008/09.

Converted from a winger to a full-back, the teenager deputised admirably for Gael Clichy when the French star was rested or injured last term.

Kieran has similar qualities to his senior colleague – he is lightning quick, passes the ball crisply and accurately, and he loves to get forward. Meanwhile the youngster’s positional awareness is improving all the time.

Kieran made 21 appearances in total last season, including eight in the Premier League and four in the Champions League. His unfortunate slip in the Semi-Final against Manchester United was a low point but Kieran bounced back quickly and seems stronger for that setback.

His England career is also heading in the right direction. Kieran was a regular for the Under-21s last term and has been tipped for senior honours by Arsène Wenger.

Kieran first shot to prominence during the FA Youth Cup run in 2007, grabbing a goal in both legs of the last-four defeat to Manchester United. A loan spell at Norwich also helped his development before he returned to Arsenal for a crack at the first-team.

He achieved what he wanted, getting and taking his chance in the spotlight. Now Kieran will be hoping to push on and established himself as a regular.

 

MY YEAR

January

Kieran was dealt a massive blow in January when he was ruled out for the rest of the season. The defender suffered a fracture to his first metatarsal on his left foot during the Champions League match game against Standard Liege. The fracture failed to heal satisfactorily and to ensure a complete recovery Kieran underwent an operation in January.

December

Kieran was sidelined throughout December after he had surgery on an ankle injury sustained in November's 2-0 win over Standard Liege. He is expected to be out until the spring. "Kieran is doing very well," said the Frenchman on December 3. "I had him on the phone and it [his ankle] looked to be completely fine [after the surgery]."

November

Kieran made three appearances for Arsenal in November but limped off with a foot injury in England Under-21s’ 0-0 draw with Lithuania. He returned just a week later against Standard Liege but fractured his first metatarsal in the match, ruling him out for three months.

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