Arsenal fans are incredibly excited about Max Dowman, but there are other teenagers looking for their first-team breakthrough.
Arsenal fans love to celebrate the success of the Hale End academy, and rightly so.
Bukayo Saka is the poster boy of Arsenal’s academy ranks, but there is real excitement about Ethan Nwaneri.
The buzz around Max Dowman is now growing, with the 15-year-old making a big impact against Leeds United on Saturday.
Dowman almost scored before winning a penalty, blowing Arsenal fans away with his talent at such a young age.
Jamie Redknapp is backing Dowman for a huge future, and other Arsenal prospects will look to follow him into first-team reckoning.
Arsenal U18 v Newcastle United U18: Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal teenager Ceadach O’Neill can’t stop scoring
Northern Irish talent Ceadach O’Neill is one such talent who may look to catch the eye of Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal raided Linfield to sign O’Neill in 2024, bringing the winger to North London after catching the eye.
O’Neill signed his first professional contract with Arsenal earlier this summer, and he has enjoyed a blistering start to the season.
The 17-year-old has now bagged five goals in just three games, having scored a brace against Peterborough United in the Premier League Cup on Tuesday.
O’Neill came off the bench to score Arsenal’s winner against Norwich City in the Under-18 Premier League, before scoring twice against Southampton over the weekend.
Arsenal have made an interesting decision with O’Neill this season, as he is now being converted to play as a striker.
That decision is certainly paying dividends right now, as O’Neill just can’t stop scoring to start the season – and his progress surely hasn’t gone unnoticed by Arteta.
Arsenal coach praises Ceadach O’Neill
Arsenal’s Under-18 coach, Adam Birchall, has heaped praise on O’Neill while speaking on Arsenal’s official website.
Birchall has admitted that O’Neill’s switch to play as a striker means that he can use his pace to cause problems behind defenders.
Birchall praised O’Neill’s technique and ball-striking ability, with the teenager showing impressive signs after changing position.
“I’m really pleased for Ceadach, he’s playing a bit more as a nine now, but one thing he does have is that he’s going to threaten in behind,” said Birchall.
“He’s got really good technique and ball-striking, so in those moments, giving him the opportunity to practice as a nine, to find the composure, I think that’s five goals in three games for him, so I’m really pleased for him,” he added.
O’Neill may not have the hype of Dowman right now, but if he keeps scoring in Arsenal’s Under-18 side, he will be impossible to ignore.