Arsène Wenger's new preference for British rather than foreign youngsters could be easily explained, when he has players as good as Chuba Akpom on their way up at Arsenal.

Akpom is the most exciting English prospect to emerge at Arsenal since Jack Wilshere. Four school years younger than Wilshere, centre- forward Akpom signed his first professional deal at the club on his 17th birthday in October.

Just two months later Akpom found himself taken to Olympiakos as part of the first-team squad, making the substitutes' bench.

Akpom has always been ahead of his age group. Last season, at 15 and 16, he was playing for Arsenal Under-18s. This year, as well as for England Under-19s, he has been starring for Terry Burton's Under-21 team, leading the line against opponents older and more experienced than him with confidence and authority.

Akpom scores goals, with six to his credit so far this season. He is a fierce physical presence – dangerous in the air and running beyond defenders – but is also sharp in the box and cool with penalties. But it is the intelligence and maturity of his hold-up and link-up play that mark him out against his peers.

Wenger recently praised Akpom's "personality and quality". He has enough of both to make his first public impression in 2013.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/the-stars-of-2013-the-talents-that-will-hit-the-big-time-next-year-8432844.html?action=gallery






https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5JyDiurrzY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BpLYfT6cGY

Chelsea have defeated Arsenal 4 - 3 in the semi - finals of the NextGen Series, widely regarded as the Champions League of youth football.

Anglo - Nigerian striker Chuba Akpom, 17, had given Arsenal a 1 - 0 lead , but Chelsea equalized in the 53rd minute through Islam Feruz.

Further second half goals by Lewis Baker (62nd min) and Jeremie Boga (64th min) gave Chelsea a two - goal cushion.

But the young Gunners showed character to send the tie into extra time through an own goal by Andreas Christensen and Gnabry's strike deep in stoppage time.

In extra time, Lewis Baker netted the match winner for Chelsea.

The London team will now play Aston Villa or Sporting Lisbon in the final of the competition.



http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=9308

Keshi should talk to this guy. If we don't get him now, someone will bring up a list of Nigerians in the diaspora who refused to play for their country.