Which U18s can Arsenal fans expect to see in this year's Capital One Cup?

New reserve team boss Terry Burton has had a mixed start to his reign, winning twice, drawing once and losing on the solitary occasion. Despite this, pre-season for Arsenal's second string has provided the fans with some exciting glimpses of what is to come. I was present for all the reserves' pre-season fixtures, excluding Chesham, and hope to provide some insight as to who could make the step up to first team football this year. 

Chuba Akpom 

Akpom with Neymar

The 16 year old excelled in his reserve team debut a fortnight ago, in the 3-1 victory over non-league side Boreham Wood. The England U16 international is most effective as a centre forward, and possesses a balance between technical and physical prowess rare to find in a man so young. 

He confidently dispatched his penalty against the Hertfordshire side and impressed with his hold up play and work rate. The following week, in the 0-0 draw at Stevenage, Akpom struggled to impose himself on the game, exacerbated by the lack of service he received.  Despite this, he continued hassling and harrying and was ever willing to run in behind, so he should take encouragement from that performance. 

Akpom was rested for the midweek game against Dartford, but received a massive break the following day as he was asked to train with the first team. Chuba told me he 'fitted in well' alongside stars such as Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski, showing how far he has developed as a player in the last year or so.

Akpom entered the fray after an hour in the 6-2 thrashing of Chesham and impressed again, posing a constant threat to the opposition defence and scoring in the process. Two goals in his first three matches for the reserves will certainly please Burton and his coaching staff, and place the youngster in contention for Capital One Cup football this term.  

Kris Olsson

Like Akpom, Olsson made his debut for the reserves against Boreham Wood. He handled himself impressively from his central position, constantly seeking possession and trying to create. The 17 year old scored a delicate lob which epitomised his ability, vision, awareness, and confidence. The latter trait is emphasised by the fact he didn't feel nervous 'at all' when taking his penalty vs Southampton for the first team - which he scored with aplomb. 

His physical strength is arguably the only thing restricting him at the moment from featuring in the Capital One Cup. On the other hand, the coaching staff had enough confidence in the Swede's ability to select him for the Southampton friendly. 

Against Stevenage, Olsson struggled to influence proceedings in what was a dire match. He publicly stated how disappointed he was with his individual performance, although he was playing a solid team and shouldn't feel disheartened. 

He did not come off the bench against Dartford, but grabbed another 60 minutes at Chesham. I spoke to Chuba and he picked out Kris (and also 16 year old first year scholar Jack Jebb) as the star performers, as well as himself. 

The young Swede, touted 'the next Tomas Rosicky', is certainly one to keep a keen eye on.

Serge Gnabry

At 17 years of age, attacking midfielder Serge Gnabry is one of the most exciting prospects at Arsenal. With a physique comparable to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the youngster would acclimatise to the physical demands of first team football better than others.

Gnabry was one of the stars of Steve Bould's U18 side last year, scoring seven goals in ten games - a phenomenal return for a midfielder. The then reserve team manager Neil Banfield gave Serge his chance in the second string where he continued to impress, scoring twice in six appearances. 

In the opening 45 minutes against Dartford last Wednesday, Gnabry was the most dangerous player on the pitch, wreaking havoc upon the opposition defence with his directness and trickery. 

In the 0-0 draw with Stevenage the previous week, the German provided some of Arsenal's only moments of quality, notably a jinking run resulting in a shot which hit the bar. 

Though still eligible for Arsenal's U18 side, Gnabry will feature more prominently in Burton's reserves this season, and the fact he has traveled to Cologne with the first team is a clear indication of Wenger's intention to use him in the Capital One Cup. 

Martin Angha

The Swiss defender was the most prominent figure in Neil Banfield's reserve side last season, with 22 appearances. Despite his preferred position of centre half, Angha is equally as adept at fullback, where he possesses enough technical ability to provide additional fire power to the attack. 

The defender, who turns nineteen in January, was deployed at centre back in the game against Boreham Wood, delivering a solid and composed performance.

Burton decided to utilise Angha at right back the following week against Stevenage. However in the opening stages the youngster was guilty of over playing in congested areas near his own goal. This is an observation worth noting, as he has previously been criticised for lapses in concentration. Although this will improve with experience, it could be a possible hindrance to his prospects of first team football this season. However, he grew in confidence and composure as the game progressed, and his side kept a clean sheet.  

Angha has trained with the first team on several occasions, and his versatility is certainly valued. He was also one of the select few who were chosen to train with the Brazil national side, showing he is regarded highly by his coaches.

Moreover, had it not been for a registration issue, Angha would have traveled to Olympiacos as part of the first team squad for their final Champions League group stage fixture last year.

Clearly, the youngster has talent, and if he is not sent out on loan this season, could well feature in the Cup.

Kyle Ebecilio

Ebecilio is also a versatile player, who is normally deployed in midfield. He can be effective in both central and wide positions, impressing with his passing ability, tackling and power. He also provides a useful source of goals from midfield. His idol, he has said, is Alex Song, and their styles are not too dissimilar. 

Having played football in Holland, graduating from the Feyenoord academy, it is no surprise to see such a rounded individual. An alternative training method used in Holland is to play youngsters out of position so they can develop other skills and become more complete footballers. You can read more about this subject here. 

The Dutchman's reputation was significantly enhanced after last year's U17 European Championships. Despite invariably playing as a defensive midfielder, Ebecilio was the tournament's highest goalscorer with three goals, and after his side's 5-2 demolition of Germany in the final, was awarded the 'Golden Player' prize, following in the footsteps of Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney.

Despite his goalscoring excursions, Ebecilio, who finds the net almost once every six games for Arsenal's U18s, has been played predominantly at right back this year. Having been called up to the first team for the friendly against Southampton in this position, it is feasible that this is where he'll play if selected for the Cup, especially when you consider Arsenal's lack of depth in that area. 

However, despite impressing in an attacking sense, Ebecilio does not seem a natural defender, and Carl Jenkinson and Nico Yennaris are ahead of him as deputies to Bacary Sagna.

Ebecilio has over 20 appearances for Arsenal's second string and trained with the first team on several occasions. It is said that Arsene Wenger is contemplating including him in Cup football this season, so remember the name. 

'Til next time, and remember to Follow me on Twitter.

My interview with Arsenal U18 star Kristoffer Olsson | Part I

The second instalment in my series of interviews with rising stars is Swede Kris Olsson. Kris signed for Arsenal two years ago from Swedish side Norrkoping, and has made a name for himself in the U18s for his tremendous playmaking ability. He was recently called up to the first team to play in the Marcus Liebherr Cup, where he scored a penalty against Southampton. Enjoy! 

RL: You were scouted while playing in Sweden by Liam Brady. When a man of this stature picks you out, it must be pretty overwhelming. How did you feel when you learned of the club's interest in you? 

KO: When they said they wanted me it felt unreal. I mean I played for a club in Sweden, and such a big club wanted me so that was just unreal in the beginning. But after a while I was just happy and proud.

RL: Describe your passage into Arsenal, after they stated their interest. Was it simple or were there complications? 

KO: It went quite quick - my family came over and then Arsenal said I should move over in July (2011), but then we didn't hear from them for a while and I was a bit nervous that it wouldn't come to anything. However in the beginning of July 2011 they sent me the flight details and everything! It was unreal!

RL: It was rumoured that there was interest in you from the likes of Juventus and Man Utd. What made you choose Arsenal?

KO: I didn't know that to be fair, I just knew that Ajax were interested in me. Arsenal are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and when I was on trial everything felt so good and professional. I knew that Arsenal's youth system is one of the best in the world as well. You get the chance if you are good enough - it's not like Man City... I mean they'll buy a player in your position even if you are a great player.. it was an easy choice signing for Arsenal!

RL: Was it hard leaving your home and moving to a foreign country?

KO: Yes of course it was very hard! But I think I expected it to be even harder so it was alright, but to leave all my friends at home and my family it was tough, it's still hard to leave them now like after the summer break and the winter break!

RL: Tell us about your encounter with Woj Szczesny! 

KO: The table tennis thing? That was a misunderstanding! 

(Rumours that Kris beat Wojiech in a game of table tennis and the keeper blanked him and walked away sulking!)

RL: How does youth football in Sweden differ from that in England? In terms of standard of players & coaches, balance between training and education, ball work and gym work, etc. 

KO: It's totally different! The standard of the football is a big difference, and also coaches and coaching staff (at Arsenal) are always around the team and players. Also in Sweden where I use to play it was basically just a nice warm up and then games! We didn't do any gym work either and here we do it 3 or 4 times a week.

RL: Clearly there is more emphasis on the physical aspect of the game at Arsenal. 

Do you think your time in Sweden has helped you as a footballer? I.e their different coaching techniques, training methods etc

KO: Yes of course. I've always had good coaches and when when I was 11 I moved to IFK Norrköping (which is a big club in Sweden) and we did a lot of technique stuff and we had 4 or 5 trainings sessions a week, more than any other team in my age group at that time, so I would say yes.

RL: Did your former club have a philosophy of passing football, meaning you could adapt easier at Arsenal? Or was it quite a change?

KO: No not really, but we always had some good players in our team so we had the ball most of the time. It was a huge change at Arsenal! I mean here you have to keep the ball and can't take too many risks and things like that, but it feels like I have gotten used to it now, but it took a while!

RL: I asked Chuba Akpom who the best player in the U18s was. Guess who he picked? 

Who would you say is your most talented teammate? (Apart from Chuba of course)

KO: He picked me?! Haha. I'm so boring so I wouldn't choose one but if I have to....Gnabry is very good, and also Gedion (Zelalem) as well, he's born in 1997 and plays centre mid, he's quality! Calm with the ball, his touch is brilliant, good passer - will be a top player. 

(15 year old Gedion Zelalem got the highest score in a fitness test which included members of the first team)

RL: You have a slender build. Did you find the step up from Swedish to English football, physically, very difficult? 

KO: Yes in the beginning it was extremely difficult, but as with everything else, I'm getting use to it and I'm much stronger now.

RL: You have been compared with Tomas Rosicky, or 'The Little Mozart'. How do you feel about this? Do you think it is a valid comparison?

KO: It's unreal to be compared with him, but yes we have the same style of play and we both are midfielders, but I haven't got long hair any more so I dont know!

RL: Fair enough, maybe you'll start a trend and he will cut his hair too!

Your tremendous progress last year was stifled by injury. How difficult was this for you? 

KO: Exactly, he wants to be like me! Yeah it was hard, as it was my first real injury and I was a bit stressed because I missed a lot of games and I was in a hurry to get fit in time for the Euros with the national team. I was also ill during the season and missed a lot of games, and that is the time when you miss home a lot and your family and friends. But I'm glad to be fit now. 

RL: You told Arsenal.com that you played as a defensive midfielder in Sweden. I wrote an article highlighting the change in requirements for a modern day defensive mid; they dont have to be powerful enforcers, but rather great readers of the game with great ball retention and distribution. As a more technical player yourself, how far would you agree with this? 

KO: I would agree 100 per cent! 

RL: Great minds think alike, eh?! 

You now play as a no.10, behind the striker. Chuba tells me that you are 'a dream' to play with - do you feel you've made this position your own, after transforming from a DM?

KO: I still prefer to play as a defensive mid, but I would have to improve my defensive side and my strength. But I mean to play as a no. 10 is better for me I think because then I do what I'm good at. I play where the coach wants me to play but still, I prefer playing as a DM.

RL: Oh so you actually wanted to continue as a defensive mid? And by 'better for me', do you mean you perform better as a no.10 than you do as a DM?

KO: Well I don't really mind to be fair...but I mean I scored two goals last year and both when I played as a DM, but I made 8 assists when I played as a no.10.

RL: Ok, so you'd say you can offer more to the team as a no.10 than if you were a DM?

KO: No not really but it's a difficult question because I don't really mind -  I just want to be in the team. But I think in the future I'll be a no. 10.

RL: Good attitude! You said after signing for us that you might dye your hair red like Freddie Ljungberg. Although this was a lighthearted comment, how far would you say Swedes like Freddie influenced you? Did he inspire you to succeed at Arsenal? 

KO: Yes of course, many people say: 'oh come on be the new Freddie!', and I know he's one of the biggest players that has played for Arsenal. But we don't have the same style of play so it will be different! However if I make the first team one day, I might be dying my hair as he did!

RL: That would be an interesting sight! 

I'm sure the ladies would like you to follow in Freddie's footsteps, and model Calvin Klein boxers!

KO: Haha exactly! Not my girlfriend, mind!

Well, that's that for part one of this interview! Stay tuned in the coming days as I'll be publishing the second - and more revealing part - which includes something fairly shocking about Chelsea. 

Thanks for reading, and remember to Follow me on Twitter. 

If you're not already following Kris, you can do so now. 

'Til next time.