Arsenal wonderkid’s comparison to Kaka has heaped pressure on Hale End coach Jack Wilshere
A number of talented youth team players have emerged through Arsenal’s Hale End academy system in recent years.
Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe made a huge impact as teenagers in Mikel Arteta’s side, with the former now established as a talismanic figure at the Emirates Stadium.
The next generation of homegrown talents is already on the way. Big things are expected of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, for instance.
Nwaneri has already dazzled Arsenal fans this season, whilst Lewis-Skelly has shown great maturity when called upon. The 17-year-old duo will both be seeking to firmly establish themselves in the first team picture at Arsenal this season, and will be hoping for regular game time.
Meanwhile, within the youth setup, Max Dowman is amongst those showing promising signs for the future.
Arsenal gem Max Dowman likened to Kaka
Dowman has been attracting plenty of attention within the Hale End academy system, and Arteta will be aware of his potential too.
Youth team coach Gustavo Oliveira recently likened Dowman to Kaka, in terms of his style of play.
The 14-year-old is a skilful, attack-minded midfielder, fearless on the ball and capable of making things happen in the final third.
Kaka is one of the greats of the modern game. A recipient of the Ballon d’Or in 2007, he featured in Brazil’s World Cup triumph in 2002, and ultimately racked up 92 caps for his country.
He was also hugely successful at club level, winning La Liga with Real Madrid, and Serie A as well as a Champions League crown with AC Milan.
If there is any player Dowman is seeking to emulate, Kaka would not be a bad choice.
The responsibility facing Jack Wilshere
Jack Wilshere knows all about what it takes to emerge from the academy and make the grade at Arsenal. When a teenager himself, having come through the Hale End system, he burst onto the scene at first team level and was soon a household name.
Injuries ultimately devastated his career, but he is still a part of the Arsenal family as head coach of the under-18s side.
Dowman is just one player who will fall under his charge, and the former England midfielder’s duty is to guide and hone such gems, preparing them for the step up into Arteta’s ranks.
It is a job that carries a great deal responsibility as it is, but that is multiplied when a player like Dowman comes along, as the expectations are already so high for the youngster.
