Dowman, an attack-minded midfielder, is expected to be the latest talent to emerge from Arsenal’s famous Hale End academy which has produced players such as Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly in recent years.
Born in 2009, Dowman made history last month by bec
oming the youngest ever player to score in a UEFA Youth League match. The left-footer found the net against Italian side Atalanta, having been called up to Arsenal’s under-19s in another indication of his quality.
Now Gunners fans have more reason to be excited after academy coach Gustavo Oliveira likened him to Kaka. The former AC Milan and Real Madrid star is one of Brazilian’s greatest ever midfielders, winning the Ballon d’Or in 2007 after lifting the Champions League.
He plays in the style of Kaka,” Oliveira told PL Brasil. “He can write his name. One day he will play for the England national team and in the Premier League.”
He isn’t the first youth coach to rave about Dowman, who was the hero with two goals in Arsenal under-18’s 3-2 comeback win against Birmingham City last Saturday. U18s boss and ex-Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere hailed: “Max’s performances speak for themselves, but there’s still a lot of room for development.
“For a 14-year-old, his character and personality are unreal. When we were 2-0 down, he was the one who wanted the ball. [He] drove at their defence and made things happen. His mentality to keep going, despite being kicked, and staying calm in those moments is impressive.”
