Carlos Vela made his Arsenal debut a whole 18 months after signing for the Club. On the evidence so far, he has been worth the wait.
The Mexican youngster joined the Club from Celta Vigo in January 2007 but spent the next season and a half gaining valuable experience in Spain. After a stint with Salamanca he helped Osasuna escape relegation before joining up with Arsenal's first-team squad in the summer.
Carlos made an instant impact with Arsenal, netting four times in two games during pre-season. His close control and finishing ability have already caught the eye, not least when he ghosted past former Gunner Jens Lehmann in the win at Stuttgart. Carlos, who can play as a deep-lying striker or out wide, will now be hoping to make his mark in the Premier League.
A Mexican youth international, Carlos shot to prominence in 2005 when he helped Mexico win the FIFA Under-17 World Championships, scoring five goals to scoop the tournament's Golden Boot. It was Mexico's first world title at any level and served notice of Carlos' huge potential.
