YouTube analysis of Carlos Vela's first Primera Liga goal

Carlos Vela was top scorer in the Under 17 World Cup as his Mexico team became world champions two years ago. Arsene Wenger was watching on and decided that Vela was someone he wanted in his future third-generation Arsenal squad built on acquiring the most talented youngsters in world football.

He was signed in November 2005 but due to work-permit restrictions for non-EU citizens was loaned out to Spain. He qualifies for a Spanish passport in January 2008 and at that stage Wenger should have the option of bringing the 18 year old to London to play for Arsenal work-permit free.

After spending last season at Salamanca in the Spanish second division he moved this summer on loan to Primera Liga side, Osasuna. And with one of his Mexican teammates, Giovanni Dos Santos, making his impact for Barcelona this season its great to see young Vela making his mark scoring the Osasuna's third goal against Real Betis. Check it out below:




Noticeable first up is the pass and move build up for the goal: right out of the Arsenal mould. Vela dribbles forward with pace, passes the ball swiftly forward to a teammate, and immeditately sprints into space to be available for the return pass.

Second is that when he gets the return pass his close control is instant and there is no disruption of his running stride: big qualities for the football that Wenger aims to achieve.

Third, there is no inhibition as he takes aim and strikes the ball when arriving at the edge of the 18 yard box shot: displaying a natural striker's instinct to fire when within 20 yards out.

Fourth, his striking technique and execution is impressive: a left-footed drive that flies past the keeper into the roof of the net.

So we see speed, tight dribbling ability, excellent first touch, awareness of teammates and space, decisive decision-making, and a natural striking technique: all good qualities to note for this future Arsenal player.

Wenger himself had this to say about Vela earlier this year:

"I like his intelligence and his pace. He scores goals but he can also create them. He's a special talent and I believe 100 per cent that he will make it at the highest level."

When Wenger is this certain about a young player I take notice. Personally, I have been looking forward to the day Carlos Vela takes to the pitch in an Arsenal shirt and joins an enormously talented under 25 years old forward line of van Persie, Adebayor, da Silva, Walcott and Bendtner. In the meantime I hope to see more Vela goals for Osasuna and further signs of what qualities he can add to this developing Arsenal squad.