Name: Gael Kakuta
Age: 19
Club: Chelsea
- Premier League opening weekend previews / Transfer Centre / Premier League News
Controversially signed for free from Lens in 2007, Kakuta almost cost Chelsea the chance to sign players for two transfer windows after FIFA ruled that the Frenchman had breached his contract to join the Blues.
The Stamford Bridge club successfully appealed against the decision, although Kakuta himself was still forced to serve a proportion of his own personal ban.
An attacking midfielder blessed will electrifying pace and eye-catching skill, Gael has impressed hugely for Chelsea's academy - winning the Academy Scholar of the Year award during his first season at the club.
He is also climbing the ranks of the French international set-up. Having first played for the under 16 side in 2006, he is now regularly included in the under 19 squad and has scored four times in 13 appearances so far.
After getting the chance to train with the Chelsea first-team last season, Kakuta was handed his first, and so far only, senior league appearance as a substitute against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
An impressive cameo followed, leaving Chelsea fans hopeful he can have a big impact over the next ten months.
Source: DSG
