LATEST NEWS: Arsenal’s academy coach likens one of their young talents to Brazilian legend Kaka, suggesting the club may have discovered the next version of the iconic midfielder.
Arsenal youth team coach Gustavo Oliveira believes that 14-year-old prodigy Max Dowman is destined to become a Premier League and England star, calling him the “next Kaka.”
Dowman has quickly risen through the ranks of the Hale End academy and is already playing for the club’s Under-18 team, despite being up to three years younger than many of his peers. Although he won’t turn 15 until December 31, he’s consistently displaying his abilities against older opponents.
Since debuting in the U18 Premier League at just 13 years old in September 2023, Dowman has tallied two goals and seven assists across 11 league games for Jack Wilshere’s side. In addition to his domestic performances, Dowman has started in Arsenal’s first two UEFA Youth League matches, netting a goal in their loss to Atalanta.
Known for his quick dribbling and technical prowess, Dowman also made his England U17 debut last month and has since earned three caps for the team. His future appears incredibly promising, and Oliveira, who coaches Arsenal’s U9 to U14 squads, identified Dowman as the next standout player to emerge from the academy.
“He plays like Kaka,” Oliveira told PL Brasil. “He’ll make his mark. One day, he’ll represent England and play in the Premier League.”
Dowman’s latest achievement came when he scored twice for Arsenal U18s in a 3-2 comeback victory over Birmingham in the Premier League Cup. Commenting on the performance, Wilshere praised Dowman’s leadership, saying: “Max’s performances speak for themselves, but there’s still a lot of room for growth.
“For a 14-year-old, his maturity and personality are outstanding. When we were trailing 2-0, he was the one demanding the ball, taking on defenders, and creating opportunities. His resilience, even when fouled, and his ability to stay composed in high-pressure moments are remarkable.”