JACK WILSHERE’S departure from Arsenal could spell the end for a highly-rated Gunners youngster dubbed the “next Kaka”.
Former England international Wilshere, 32, has left his boyhood club to join Championship side Norwich as a coach.
It brings to an end his two-year stint as manager of Arsenal’s U18s – where he has forged a strong relationship with promising talent Max Dowman.
Dowman, 14, is the youngest player to score in a Uefa Youth League game – hitting the back of the net three and a half months shy of his 15th birthday.
He was given his U18 Premier League debut by Wilshere last year, making more history as the youngest player to feature in the division, aged just 13.
But Wilshere’s exit has now thrown Dowman’s future into question.
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According to The Athletic, his family are “extremely disappointed” by Wilshere’s departure.
He has 18 months left on his schoolboy terms and has yet to commit to a scholarship with the North London club.
Wilshere has been an important figure for Dowman both on and off the pitch – showing an understanding for the pressures he faces given he experienced a similar situation coming through as a highly-rated player in Arsenal’s academy.
The coach ensured when he returned to Arsenal that the focus would be on the needs of the academy players’ families, rather than the football itself.
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This has had a positive impact in transitioning players from prospects to accomplished professionals – shown through the development of Ethan Nwaneri.
Dowman’s comparison to AC Milan and Brazil icon Kaka comes from academy coach Gustavo Oliveira who recently made the link.
He said: “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.”
Wilshere recently said of Dowman: “Max’s performances speak for themselves, but there’s still a lot of room for development.
“For a 14-year-old, his character and personality are unreal.”
Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor Gunners
ARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.
Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…
DAVID RAYA – 7
Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stages
Pushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.
BEN WHITE – 6
Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team.
Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.
One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5
Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.
Marked improvement in the second half.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6
Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.
Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.
THOMAS PARTEY – 6
Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.
Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.
DECLAN RICE – 6
Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.
Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4
Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.
Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.
GABRIEL JESUS – 8
Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.
Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.
Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.
Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.
Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.
Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.
SUBS
Mikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6
Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.
Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6
Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6
Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.
Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
