After the breathtaking football that thrashed a full-strength Wigan 3-0 in the Carling Cup, the world is convinced of the talent in the young guns of Arsenal. However, who among the young ones will become full-blown Gunners?

Lukasz Fabianski has come a long way after the 5-1 reversal by Tottenham in the Carling Cup last season. Although still suspect with crosses into the box, his reflex saves are reminiscence of Alex Manninger in his prime.

The two he made in the Wigan match, particularly against the red-hot Zaki, served to remind us of how good he can be. At the moment, neither of the other contenders for the goalkeeping job (namely Vito Mannone or Wojciech Szczesny) measures up to Fabianski. Of course, with Manuel Almunia still at a young age for goalkeeper and the possibility of Arsene Wenger adding a more-seasoned campaigner if one appears at the right price, Fabianski needs to be patient and grab all the chances he gets.

There is a lot of talent in the full-back department ready to burst into the first team. Gavin Hoyte, Kieran Gibbs, Kerrea Gilbert and Armand Traore are snapping at the heels of first-teamers Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Eboue and Bacary Sagna – who it has to be pointed out are also on the right side of 25.

In addition to the established full-backs, Wenger also has the penchant to play Kolo Toure, Johan Djourou or even William Gallas as emergency full-backs when required.

So, which young gun would be able to break into the starting 11? My best bets are Hoyte and Traore.

Justin’s younger brother Gavin has displayed great determination and leadership in his many years at Arsenal. He is captain of the reserves and has also led the under-18s in his time at the club.

Combined with speed, agility and courage, this 18-year-old Englishman is a real asset who should not be sold. On the left side of the defence, Traore has been knocking on the door like forever. Only the form and determination of Clichy has managed to keep the skilful youngster out of the first team.

Faced with two talented full-backs, Wenger sent Traore on loan to gain valuable playing time and experience. Watch Armand as he will come back stronger than ever to challenge Clichy for the spot.

Our aging centre-backs are an invitation for the young guns to step up. Sad to say, I can only see Djourou making the step up at the moment. He is the tallest centre-back we have at the moment. He is strong in the air and can pass out of defence. With valuable experience gained with his time at Birmingham, he is the only viable replacement for old guards of Gallas and Mikael Silvestre.

If Toure stays fit, I dare say that Djourou would complement him and together, we would have a very mean pairing as our last line of defence.

In midfield, I can see a whole bunch of kids challenging our already very young midfield for starting places. However, two of them really stand out for a variety of reasons. Jack Wilshere has already been labelled the new Liam Brady.

The kid is quick and turns fast. He can pass and he is strong on the ball. With good dribbling skills, he has already managed to squeeze past defenders and opened his Arsenal account. He is so good that he won the Man of the Match award against Wigan. The funny thing is that he is not of a legal age to drink his prize champagne!

Aaron Ramsey is another one for the future, or some say next season. With his Welsh background and rugby-playing experience, he has added bite into an otherwise ‘soft’ midfield. The 18-year-old signing from Cardiff City can tackle, pass, cross and is really strong on the ball.

There are shades of Patrick Vieira when he is marauding up the field into enemy territory and in time to come, I am very sure that Wenger’s payment of £5million for the kid will be a very valuable investment.

With the current crop of strikers vying for limited space, it would take a real gem to break into the first team among the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Robin van Persie, Eduardo, Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott. But of the mist and onto the stage, Carlos Vela has provided a timely reminder of Wenger’s talent in scouting young talent.

Already dubbed the new Maradona, Vela gained a bigger reputation by proving himself in La Liga with Osasuna over three seasons. He gamely built on that with a hat-trick against Sheffield United and a brilliant flick over Wigan’s Chris Kirkland in the Carling Cup tie.

Suffice it to say, Wenger will have a hard time keeping our front players happy for this season and next. And Vela will definitely add to this problem with his sparkling run in the Carling Cup.

In summary, the young guns are ready! On their day, they have proven to be more than a match for anyone. Would Wenger be brave enough to throw some into big matches? On account of their performance, I dare say some are already ready to step up. Go Gunners!

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