Published28th Mar 2026, 06:30 GMT
Ismeal Kabia is drawing inspiration from Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka as he relishes his valuable experience at Shrewsbury Town.
The 20-year-old has made 37 appearances for Salop since joining on loan from the Premier League leaders last summer.
The youngster, who was named on the bench several times for Arsenal last season, revealed his admiration for Saka as he looks to follow in his footsteps.
Asked about his role models, Kabia said: “I don't really have a specific one. It changes week in, week out.
“My favourite player is Saka because, obviously, he plays for Arsenal in a similar position.
Ismeal Kabia in action for Shrewsbury Town against Crawley Townplaceholder image
Ismeal Kabia in action for Shrewsbury Town against Crawley Town
“He's what every kid in London really wants to be, playing for the best team in London.
“Just anything a kid really wants - playing for Arsenal, having a good education, being a good guy off the pitch.”
Like Saka, Kabia joined Arsenal as a youngster before progressing through the youth ranks to senior level.
Asked if he aspires to follow in Saka’s footsteps, he added: “100 per cent.”
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Kabia has scored twice for Salop this season - against Fleetwood Town in November and with a stoppage-time equaliser against Sutton United in the FA Cup.
He remains in regular contact with Arsenal about his progress.
“I've got two coaches that I speak to on a regular basis about the games and how my body's feeling,” he added.
“Being exposed to this much load, I haven't done that before. I've told them the experience that I've gained from being here playing league football, which is tough, but if you're strong mentally, you can do it.”
Kabia, who is on loan at Shrewsbury until the end of the season, has started all but one of Town’s games under Gavin Cowan, featuring at right wing-back.
Ismeal Kabia playing for Arsenal. Picture: Getty Imagesplaceholder image
Ismeal Kabia playing for Arsenal. Picture: Getty Images | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Born in Hengelo, Netherlands, he moved to England at the age of nine.
“I started football when I was in Holland,” he explained.
“Playing grassroots football, at the park with my friends every day, and then I moved from Holland to England, and from there I was just playing grassroots again.
“A year later I got scouted by Arsenal. It was a surreal experience because where I'm from in Kent, it's quite unlikely for a person to play for an academy in London.
“I was buzzing. I went on a six-week trial, got in, and then from there just went up through ranks.
“My whole family supports Arsenal and playing for a big club like that is everything you really want.”
Ismeal Kabia (left) with Shrewsbury Town team-mates Tommy McDermott and Kevin Berkoeplaceholder image
Ismeal Kabia (left) with Shrewsbury Town team-mates Tommy McDermott and Kevin Berkoe
While Saka is an inspiration on the pitch, off it Kabia credits his family, particularly his father, for helping him get to where he is today.
“Off the pitch I'd probably say my dad, because he's done a lot for me - taking me to places for football, giving me advice, not being too harsh on me,” he said.
During his youth, Kabia played for Chatham Riverside and Sittingbourne Lions before joining Arsenal.
He is also familiar with fellow Arsenal academy product Max Dowman, who recently became the Premier League’s youngest-ever scorer.
“He's a top guy, top person and he's great at football,” Kabia said.
“Everything that he's getting, he deserves, because he does work hard and he's a very good football player.”
Last season, Kabia made 13 appearances in Premier League 2 for Arsenal’s under-21s and was on the bench for nine Premier League matches and four Champions League games, including the first leg of their semi-final against PSG.
Ismeal Kabia of Shrewsbury Townplaceholder image
Ismeal Kabia of Shrewsbury Town
He earned his Arsenal first-team debut against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup third round at the Emirates Stadium.
Reflecting on his career ambitions, Kabia said: “I don't have a specific goal, it's just to see how far I can go.
“Just being the best version of myself, seeing how far my ability can take me.
“I'm confident in myself. I feel like if I really keep the same mindset I've got now to the end of my career, I reckon I can do something and really make a name for myself.”
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