Name: Gael Kakuta
Born: 21 June 1991 (Age 19)
International Honours: France U19 (13 caps, 4 goals)
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 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 senior competitive debut as a substitute against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
An impressive cameo followed, although with Chelsea fighting for both the Premier League title and FA Cup, he failed to get on the pitch for the remainder of the season.
Since the beginning of the 2010-11 campaign, Gael's involvement with the first-team has increased. He started the recent Carling Cup defeat to Newcastle, came on as a substitute in the league against West Ham and has been regularly included Carlo Ancelotti's matchday squads.
Source: DSG
