Arsenal have next Kaka as academy coach draws comparisons to Brazil legend

Max Dowman has been excellent for Arsenal Under 18s this season and his performances have caught the eye, with one drawing comparisons to Brazil legend Kaka

Arsenal youth team coach Gustavo Oliveira is confident that 14-year-old sensation Max Dowman is going to be an England and Premier League superstar after labelling him the 'next Kaka'.

Dowman has emerged as one of the brightest youngsters in the Hale End academy and is already playing for the club's Under 18s despite some of his teammates or opponents being three years older than him. The teenager doesn't turn 15 until December 31 but is already showing his talent at a much more senior age group.

Since making his U18 Premier League debut at the age of 13 in September 2023, Dowman has scored twice and added a further seven assists in 11 league appearances for Jack Wilshere's side. As well as that, Dowman has started in each of Arsenal's first two UEFA Youth League matches, scoring in the defeat at Atalanta.

A fast dribbler and gifted on the ball, Dowman also made his debut for England U17s last month and has since featured three times for that age group. There is no doubt he has a bright future ahead of him and Oliveira, who works as an assistant coach at Arsenal from the U9s to U14s categories, outlined who he believes is going to be the next star from the academy - and he named Dowman as that player.

"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."

Dowman scored twice for Arsenal U18s during a 3-2 comeback win over Birmingham in the Premier League Cup on Saturday. Speaking on his standout performance, Wilshere said: "Max's performances speak for themselves, but there’s still a lot of room for development.

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"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, drove at their defence, and made things happen. His mentality to keep going, despite being kicked, and staying calm in those moments is impressive."

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