Zak Ansah

Talented striker Zak Ansah has come a long way since Jeorge Bird’s Arsenal Youth revealed that he was one of the youngsters who Arsene Wenger said had ‘nothing to learn technically’ in January 2008.

The son of former professional Andy Ansah, Zak began the campaign in the u-15s but quickly saw himself promoted to the u-16s. He impressed for Steve Gatting’s side, reaching double figures for the season and forging a successful partnership with new arrival Nigel Neita.

His impressive form saw him slowly integrated into the u-18s, making his debut in the 5-1 humbling of Fulham at London Colney. He followed that up with his first start, away to Birmingham in April, and marked it with a brace in yet another comfortable victory.

Zak’s potent blend of pace and power have won him many admirers and he will look to break into the u-18s on a regular basis this year, despite still being officially a schoolboy.

His style of play has seen him compared to Chelsea forward Nicolas Anelka and, whilst it is far too early to mention him in the same sentence as the Frenchman, the signs are certainly promising for a bright future.