50 Players to watch at the World Cup - No 22 Carlos Vela

Our countdown of players to watch at this summer's World Cup continues apace, with Mexico's Carlos Vela in at 22. Name: Carlos Vela Age: 21 Club: Arsenal International Caps: 23 International Goals: 8 Having only just turned 21, Vela has already amassed a total of 114 competitive club appearances, whilst racking up 23 caps for Mexico in the process. Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger often has an eye for young talent, so big things were hoped for when he plucked this small forward from Guadalajara. It took a while for Vela to earn a work permit, being farmed out on loan to Spain until he did, where he impressed in stints at Salamanca and Osasuna, scoring 11 goals over two seasons. He has struggled to make much of a mark for Arsenal as yet, with only two league goals to his name, but he has scored them in style. His Carling Cup goal against Sheffield United (one of three) was recently voted into Arsenal's top 50 club goals ever, whilst his goal on the final day this season against Fulham was inspired, a deft chip over experienced ‘keeper Mark Schwarzer. He has all the makings of a fine player, with pace and skill in abundance. If unleashed by Mexico this summer, he could pose a serious threat. - Sam Parker THE STORY SO FAR. No 23: Diego Forlan No 24: Marek Hamsik No 25: Wilson Palacios No 26: Alexis Sanchez No 27: Tim Cahill No 28: Gonzalo Higuain No 29: John Terry No 30: Andres Iniesta No 31: Maicon No 32: Victor Obinna No 33: Klaas Jan Huntelaar No 34: Ryan Nelsen No 35: Tranquilo Barnetta No 36: Jozy Altidore No 37: Robert Koren No 38: Teko Modise No 39: Simon Kjaer No 40: Jong Tae-Se No 41: Nadir Belhadj No 42: Roque Santa Cruz No 43: Park Ji-Sung No 44: Nikola Zigic No 45: Yaya Toure No 46: Angelos Charisteas No 47: Keisuke Honda No 48: Hugo Lloris No 49: Mario Gomez No 50: Guiseppe Rossi

Source: DSG