Vela needs an English education

If Carlos Vela had a European passport, he’d have scored 20 Premier League goals. Sadly for Arsenal, Vela's passport is Mexican. Instead of 20 goals, he’s got one.

Why does his passport matter? Because, though Arsene Wenger signed Vela in November 2005, aged 16, he didn’t make his debut until August 2008. His passport, and the UK’s migration laws, meant he was banished.

Vela, like a kid starting late at school, is three years behind. He’s trying to catch up, but the Premier League’s not waiting.

While Vela should have been in England, learning English football, he was sent on a tour of Spain: Celta Vigo, Salamanca (eight goals in 31 games), then Osasuna (three in 30). But, while Vela’s left Spain, Spain hasn’t left him.

Like Twenty20 and Test cricket, English football and Spanish football are different. Spanish referees are stricter, meaning attackers have less chance of being kicked, and more time to play. English fans are louder, meaning players fly into tackles, even when their side’s losing.

In short, technique’s not enough in England: players need bravery, and patience. Vela hasn’t either. In three years, perhaps, he might. Until then, he’ll look like someone who scored three in 30 for Osasuna.

Compare Vela to Nicklas Bendtner. The Dane also signed aged 16, and also waited three years for his full league debut. The difference is what happened in between.

While Vela was in Spain, getting free-kicks for falling over, Bendtner played for Arsenal reserves and - more importantly - Birmingham City.

There, Bendtner learnt that, in England, refs don’t give free-kicks - let alone red cards - for elbows. He learnt that forwards are booed for not working back, while defenders are cheered for kicking forwards into hoardings.

His time at Birmingham, getting kicked by yeomen, meant Bendtner made a rolling start to his Arsenal career. Vela remains at the start line, trying to get in gear.

Of course, Vela has talent. Bags of it. He has good touch and good technique; a sharp turn of pace, and a sharper left foot.

He’s scored seven goals for Mexico (in 22 appearances); his chip against Sheffield United, in the League Cup, was voted Arsenal’s 29th best ever goal; and in 2005, he was top scorer in the Under-17 World Cup.

(The latter honour, however, is a mixed blessing. In 2003, Cesc Fabregas was top scorer; in 2001, it was Florent Sinama-Pongolle - last seen in England scoring one goal in ten games for Blackburn).

What Vela lacks is English experience, and that - as his performances prove - is crucial. Why else does Wenger want to send Jack Wilshere to Bolton, or Burnley, or anywhere but FC Twente?

Vela, thankfully, has time. He’s only 20. But, for a warning, he should visit Teesside. There, playing for Middlesbrough, will be another quick, left-footed forward, who never fulfilled his promise.

Like Vela, Jeremie Aliadiere only scored one league goal for Arsenal.