Arsenal have 'Kaka-esque' wonderkid tipped for big things by academy coach

Arsenal academy coach Gustavo Oliveira has tipped 14-year-old Gunners youngster Max Dowman to play for England and has compared the attacker to Brazil icon Kaka. Dowman made his debut for the Arsenal under-18s side last September at the age of 13 and appears to have a bright future in the game.

The teenager became the youngest goalscorer in UEFA Youth League history when he found the back of the net in a clash against Atalanta in September after turning 14.

He is a physical and skilful No. 10 who has excelled when featuring for Jack Wilshere’s under-18s side and has already been capped by his country at youth level.

Oliveira spoke about Dowman during an interview with PL Brasil. And the coach explained: “He plays in the style of Kaka. He can write his name. One day he will play for the England national team and in the Premier League.”

Kaka was a creative genius during his playing days and possessed elegance on the ball that was virtually unrivalled.

He is widely regarded as one of the best attacking players of the last few decades and was part of the Brazil squad that won the World Cup in 2002. The 42-year-old ended his playing career with 29 goals in 92 appearances for the South American country and represented them at three World Cups.

Kaka spent the majority of his club career in Europe, winning the Serie A title and the Champions League with AC Milan and becoming a La Liga champion with Real Madrid. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2007.

Dowman, meanwhile, will be desperate to make a name for himself in the sport over the coming years as he attempts to impress on every platform he is given.

The youngster bagged four assists during Arsenal under-18s’ 5-2 victory over Fulham in March. And at the time, Wilshere stated: “There’s always a concern when fielding such a young player in these matches, but if you’re good enough you’re old enough.

“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.

“Debut opportunities aren’t handed out lightly, and Max has demonstrated over the past few months that he deserves this chance. He handled the moment admirably.”