Arsenal Exclusive: ‘Arteta has the new Wilshere right under his nose, I’ve heard’
Arsenal’s academy is being tipped to produce the new Jack Wilshere after what youth expert Jeorge Bird has heard from London Colney.
In recent years, players such as Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly have emerged from Hale End to become mainstays, following in the footsteps of Premier League greats like Ashley Cole and Tony Adams.
Mikel Arteta often faces a balancing act – to improve the team in the market while simultaneously encouraging the development of the next generation of Arsenal players.
But for certain players, like Ethan Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, sheer quality overrides any fear of a slow adaptation to Premier League football.
Max Dowman ‘immediately looked at home’
Max Dowman, 15, looks set to become the latest Arsenal academy star to make the step into Arteta’s team.
The midfielder spent most of the season playing for the Under-18s, where he went on an incredible run to end the season, notching a staggering 17 direct goal contributions in just seven appearances.
Dowman’s potential was easy to spot from his first appearances for the Under-18s, according to academy expert Jeorge Bird.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, he said: “I’d heard very good things about him previously, but I don’t really cover players until they play for the Under-18s.
“He made his debut for the Under-18s against Southampton as a 13-year-old in 2023 and immediately looked at home at that level.”
Bird has followed and reported on the Arsenal academy for around 18 years – you will find him in attendance at most matches played by both the Under-18s and Under-21s.
Many impressive young players have risen through the ranks at Arsenal under his observation, but Dowman stands out.
The 15-year-old has become key for the Under-18s, wearing the captain’s armband towards the end of the season, and was also involved for England in the Under-17 Euros.
Dowman looked to thrive during the Young Lions’ brief participation, setting social media alight when he tied his defender up in knots before slotting past the Czech goalkeeper in the final group match.
Bird saw the astronomical rise of Jack Wilshere through the academy, and thinks Dowman could be just as good as the Englishman – who made his debut at just 16.
“He’s certainly one of the best young players I have ever seen – up there with the likes of (Serge) Gnabry and (Jack) Wilshere,” he explained.
“I think he is capable of playing at a very high level and could soon become a key player over the next couple of years if his development is managed correctly.”
Arsenal’s academy continues to bear fruit
Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri both came to Arsenal’s aid last season, easing injury concerns and inspiring confidence throughout the fanbase.
Similarly, Saka’s emergence in 2019 came at a time when the club were floundering under Unai Emery, and needed a talisman during the early seasons for Arteta.
As Dowman prepares to be the latest youngster on the block in North London, Arsenal will hope to be able to provide a less-pressurised introduction.