Football: Chuba Akpom
Arsène Wenger's new preference for British rather than foreign youngsters could be easily explained, when he has players as good as Chuba Akpom on their way up at Arsenal.
Akpom is the most exciting English prospect to emerge at Arsenal since Jack Wilshere. Four school years younger than Wilshere, centre- forward Akpom signed his first professional deal at the club on his 17th birthday in October.
Just two months later Akpom found himself taken to Olympiakos as part of the first-team squad, making the substitutes' bench.
Akpom has always been ahead of his age group. Last season, at 15 and 16, he was playing for Arsenal Under-18s. This year, as well as for England Under-19s, he has been starring for Terry Burton's Under-21 team, leading the line against opponents older and more experienced than him with confidence and authority.
Akpom scores goals, with six to his credit so far this season. He is a fierce physical presence – dangerous in the air and running beyond defenders – but is also sharp in the box and cool with penalties. But it is the intelligence and maturity of his hold-up and link-up play that mark him out against his peers.
Wenger recently praised Akpom's "personality and quality". He has enough of both to make his first public impression in 2013.
