Arsenal
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Arsenal U19 coach Max Porter has heaped praise on 19-year-old winger Ismael Kabia, describing his recent UEFA Youth League performance as “one of the best of his career to date.”
Kabia delivered two crucial assists in Arsenal’s impressive 2-0 victory over AS Monaco on Wednesday, further solidifying his reputation as one of the brightest prospects in the Hale End academy.
The Dutch youngster is aiming to follow in the footsteps of Arsenal graduates Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly. His progress has already caught the attention of the senior team, with Kabia making his first-team debut in September during Arsenal’s 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Bolton.
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Porter believes Kabia has the potential to earn more opportunities under Mikel Arteta if he continues to deliver consistent performances.
Arsenal - Ismael Kabia
Ismael Kabia (Image credit: Getty Images)
“It was one of the best performances I’ve seen [Kabia] have,” Porter told Arsenal’s official website. “He’s got to keep doing that and find that level consistently. Then there will be much more opportunities here at Arsenal or, if not, elsewhere to better his career.”
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also spoke highly of Kabia and the club’s other young talents after the winger’s first-team debut.
“The youngsters are here for the right reasons,” Arteta said. “They proved they could compete at this level in pre-season, and that’s why we trust them to get the job done. They need to see the door is open, the possibility is there. It’s achievable, and hopefully that message gets across. Big credit to everyone involved in the academy. They contributed and gave us these players in the manner that they are.”
Kabia, who is primarily a left or right winger, joined Arsenal’s academy after stints with Chatham Riverside and Sittingbourne Lions. Right-footed and known for his creativity and technical ability, he has yet to make his Premier League debut but has been an unused substitute in league matches against Tottenham and AFC Bournemouth this season.
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