Arsenal wonderkid 'plays like Kaka'

Cameron Smith

• 11 Oct 2024 17:00 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman has been compared to Brazil legend Kaka by one of the club’s youth-team coaches.

Dowman is considered to be one of the biggest prospects in English football and he is set to be fast-tracked into the Gunners’ first-team at some point over the next few years.

Gustavo Oliveira, who works as an assistant coach for Arsenal’s youth teams, was interviewed by Premier League Brasil and when asked about Dowman, he replied: “He plays in the style of Kaka.

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“He can write his name. One day he will play for the England national team and in the Premier League.”

In September, Dowman became the youngest ever goalscorer in UEFA Youth League history when he netted against Atalanta at just 14 years, eight months and 19 days old. The record was previously held by Borussia Dortmund forward Youssoufa Moukoko, who scored at 14 years, 11 months and three days old back in 2019.

Furthermore, Dowman was remarkably handed his Arsenal U18 debut aged just 13 last season and he ended the campaign with two goals and five assists in seven U18 Premier League matches.

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Despite Dowman’s evident talent, comparisons with Kaka are slightly premature though.

The Brazil legend earned 92 senior caps for his country during an illustrious playing career that saw him win the 2007 Ballon d’Or, alongside eight major honours at club level.

He played for both AC Milan and Real Madrid, winning the Champions League with the former, while he was part of the Brazil team that lifted the 2002 World Cup.

Ethan Nwaneri set for new deal

In addition to Dowman, Arsenal believe they have a future superstar in the form of Ethan Nwaneri.

In fact, FootballTransfers understands that Nwaneri is poised to become the third highest-paid teenager in the Premier League.

Sources have revealed that preliminary talks are underway regarding a lucrative £60,000-a-week, five-year contract designed to secure his long-term future at the Emirates Stadium.