It’s Not Nwaneri: Mikel Arteta Could Unearth Arsenal’s Yamal in “Remarkable” Hale End Youngster
Arsenal’s youth academy has made notable strides in recent years, nurturing talents who are on the brink of breaking into the senior team under the guidance of Mikel Arteta.
Among these prospects, Ethan Nwaneri stands out as one of the most exciting. He made his first appearance for the club in September 2022 at just 15 years old, playing against Brentford at the GTEC Community Stadium. This debut made him the youngest player to ever feature for Arsenal.
Now 17, Nwaneri has made only one additional competitive appearance for the first team. However, he has been a key player for the U21 side in Premier League 2, where he contributed to 13 goals in his 13 appearances last season.
Nwaneri, a midfielder, has consistently been a goal threat for the youth teams, tallying 26 goals across the U18 and U21 squads since his initial breakthrough a couple of years ago.
| Arsenal’s youngest debutants | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Age at debut | Year & opponent faced |
| #1 Ethan Nwaneri | 15 years, 5 months, 28 days | 2022: Brentford |
| #2 Cesc Fabregas | 16 years, 5 months, 24 days | 2003: Rotherham |
| #3 Jack Wilshere | 16 years, 8 months, 12 days | 2008: Blackburn |
| #4 Jermaine Pennant | 16 years, 10 months, 15 days | 1999: Middlesbrough |
| #5 Paul Vaessen | 16 years, 11 months, 11 days | 1978: Lokomotive Leipzig |
| #6 Ryan Smith | 16 years, 11 months, 18 days | 2003: Rotherham |
| #7 Gedion Zelalem | 16 years, 11 months, 29 days | 2014: Coventry |
| #8 Armand Traore | 17 years, 16 days | 2006: West Brom |
| Data Source Transfermarkt. | ||
Despite his consistent performances for the Hale End Academy, he has yet to secure a spot in the starting lineup, as another young European talent of a similar age is already making waves at his club.
Similar to Nwaneri, Lamine Yamal is a player still in the early stages of his career, but the 17-year-old Spaniard has quickly established himself as a crucial figure for Barcelona following his breakout season.
The forward made 50 appearances across all competitions for the LaLiga club, amassing 16 goal contributions—a remarkable achievement for someone so young.
Yet, this was just the beginning for Yamal, as the young talent played a significant role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, appearing in every match, netting a stunning goal against France, and providing four assists for his teammates.
He was later awarded the Young Player of the Tournament, highlighting his influence, as he carried his outstanding performance into the new season.
Yamal has already made five goal contributions in the first four matches under Hansi Flick, as he looks to help Barça secure another league title in the 2024/25 season.
| Lamine Yamal’s stats for Spain at Euro 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | Tally |
| Games | 7 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Shots taken | 18 |
| Pass accuracy | 84% |
| Successful dribbles | 12 |
| Chances created | 19 |
| Stats Source FotMob | |
However, the Gunners could unearth their own version of the superstar, with one academy gem catching the eye in recent months.
The Star Who Could Be Arsenal’s Own Yamal
Max Dowman might not be a familiar name to most Arsenal fans, but this rising star in the academy is quickly gaining attention with his impressive progress.
At just 14 years old, Dowman plays for England’s U17 team and is a consistent presence in Arsenal’s U18 squad, having made his debut at that level when he was only 13—a remarkable achievement.
Dowman, praised as “remarkable” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, plays as an attacking midfielder. He has contributed two goals and five assists, showcasing his knack for creating chances in the final third.
His performances have also drawn the attention of former player and current U18 head coach, Jack Wilshere, with the ex-Arsenal star stating:
“He can be more consistent but he’s only 14 and hasn’t even started his GCSEs yet. We need to find a balance of letting him play and enjoy the game because of his age but also trying to get as much work into him as we can. Hopefully, we can fast-track him and when he goes over to the first team he’ll be more ready.”
It may seem unfair to place high expectations on such a young talent, but considering Dowman’s quick progress and the skills he has shown, he possesses everything needed to become the next in a long line of players who, after years in the academy, have broken into the club’s first team.
Arsenal’s Dowman must stay focused and determined to continue his progress if he hopes to replicate the success of Barcelona the Barcelona forward Yamal, a player who has proven his ability to excel against Europe’s top teams.
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