Name: Serge David Gnabry

Age: 18

Nationality: Germany

Club: Arsenal

Position: Winger/Attacking Midfielder

Height: 1.73m (5 ft 8)

Born in Stuttgart, Germany to a German mother and an Ivorian Father. Serge Gnabry started off his sporting career as a sprinter before deciding his calling was in football. He made his way through the VfB Stuttgart youth system before being spotted by Arsenal scouts in 2010, at only 16 years old. A £100,000 deal was agreed between the clubs and Serge made his move in the 2011-12 season. Joining up with the Under 18’s and working his way up into the reserve side and catching the eyes of the coaching staff. The 2012-13 season saw Gnabry making his first Arsenal appearance making him the third youngest player in Arsenal’s history. He featured heavily in the NextGen series and made a few appearances off the bench for the first team. The 2013-14 season was the breakthrough season for the young German, injuries to Theo Walcott and Alex Chamberlain pushed him into making his first start against Stoke City. He went on to score his first league goal for the Gunners in a 2-1 victory against Swansea. His impressive start to the season even earned him a nomination for the Golden Boy Award 2013, he also signed a new 5 year contract with the Gunners.

Strengths & weaknesses

Serge Gnabry’s main strength has to be his pace, his ability to get past players with ease making him a threat on the either wing. With fast and close dribbling skills, he possesses the flair to make anything out of nothing. Not only does he have an eye for goal he has the vision to pick out a pass, a vital skill to have in the Arsenal tactical system. Regardless of his short and stocky structure this acts as an advantage. His lower centre of gravity and strength is a major plus especially in the Premier League. At only 18 you forget his talent is still developing many considering him to be more effective than Theo Walcott, which is extreme. Serge Gnabry is still a bit raw at times but that will change with more match experience. It’s vital next season he either goes on loan or Mr Wenger gives him the match experience in the first team. The only issue is not to over play him at such a young age.

The future is very bright for the Arsenal winger, already an established under 19 German international it wont be long until he starts featuring in the under 21 side. One to watch! Enjoy the video.