Francis proved himself to be the epitome of the modern, multi-positional footballer last season with a series of fine displays wherever he was deployed. Nominally a defensive midfielder, the France Under-21 international was called into action at both right and left back during the height of the Club's full-back injury crisis and performed admirably.

Having spent the previous campaign on loan at Ligue 1 side Lorient, Francis returned to Emirates Stadium with a burgeoning reputation and soon forced his way into the first team. After making his Premier League debut in the heavy defeat at Old Trafford, the Frenchman really caught the eye with a superb performance in the north London derby against Tottenham in October.

As the campaign progressed, Francis became an even more regular name on the teamsheet and he will be looking to continue his exciting development this season.

Francis joined the Club as a 17-year-old in 2008, and was part of the squad that won the FA Youth Cup the following year. By 2010 he started to attract attention following some impressive performances in France's European Under-19 Championship victory, and he has now made the step up into Arsenal's first team. The future is bright for this young midfielder.