Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido

Carlos Vela is now in position to establish himself as first-team starter for Arsenal.

Injuries meant the Mexican barely got going in the 2009/10 season but he received a couple of significant boosts over the summer.

He took part in his first World Cup and billions of people across the globe watched as he started in the tournament’s curtain-raiser against South Africa.

When he returned to Arsenal, Vela was handed the No 11 shirt, a clear indication that he is part of Arsène Wenger’s plans for the new campaign.

The manager has drawn comparisons with a young Robbie Fowler. Praise indeed. Certainly, Vela has pace, trickery and an eye for goal. The 21-year-old has all the potential in the world, his task now is to live up to it.

• Name:

  Carlos Vela

• Born:

  March 01, 1989

• Cancun, Mexico

• Position:

  Striker

• Squad Number:

  11

• Previous Club(s):

  Guadalajara

• Osasuna

• Celta Vigo

• Joined Arsenal:

  January 01, 2008