Hale End continues to be a valuable talent factory for Arsenal.
Tuesday’s 4-0 Champions League thrashing of Atletico Madrid saw three academy stars start, with Bukayo Saka producing some of his trademark brilliance and Ethan Nwaneri coming on from the bench in the closing stages.
So, while there is still plenty of excitement over big summer signings such as Martin Zvimendi and Victor Gokeres, should Mikel Arteta give more minutes to other youngsters, as the Gooners still love nothing more than homegrown geniuses?
Max Domann’s new contract with Arsenal
As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein on Thursday, Max Dauman has “reached an agreement” to remain at Arsenal.
Of course, he’s only 15 and doesn’t have his birthday until New Year’s Eve, but the wonderkid will “sign his scholarship” before signing a professional contract on his 17th birthday.
After impressing on a pre-season tour of Asia, Dauman became the youngest player to feature in a Premier League game in August, coming on as a substitute against Leeds United and earning a penalty shortly after being fouled by Gabriel Gudamundsson.
When the 15-year-old appeared in the final half-hour of the EFL Cup game against Port Vale, it felt like Elvis walking into the building, and a hush descended on the away side of Vale Park, supporters murmuring to each other and excited to see what this phenomenon would personally produce before their eyes.
Prior to this season, Doman was actually too young to play under-21 football, but he has made up for lost time by scoring in his previous PL2 appearances against Wolves and West Ham, and converting two penalties in the UEFA Youth League win over Atleti at Meadow Park earlier this week.
It’s no surprise, then, that the Gooners are excited about the player, and club officials are delighted he has committed his future to Arsenal.
But with Arteta’s side chasing silver this season, should another Hale End graduate be at the forefront of their title challenge?
‘Made in a lab’ Arsenal’s Dauman 2.0
Riccardo Calafioli has been Arsenal’s undisputed first choice at left-back so far this season, starting all eight Premier League games.
But on Tuesday night, Arteta added Miles Lewis-Skelly to his squad and rotated the entire left flank, ensuring the teenager will get more minutes.
Just as the Italian players were preparing to take the field, Gabriel Martinelli set up the second goal of the night after Louis-Skelly picked up the ball in the center circle and appeared to slip through the entire Atlético team. Impressed, Calafioli put his tracksuit and bib back on.
Overall, the England international once again underlined why he became an integral part of Arteta’s side last season, with the statistics confirming the zeitgeist of his brilliant performances.
Miles Lewis-Skelly vs Atletico Madrid | ||
|---|---|---|
statistics | lewis skelly | match rank |
assist | 1 | 1st place |
dribbling success | 2 | second |
clearance | 2 | 7th place |
intercept | 1 | 5th place |
key pass | 1 | 7th place |
won a duel | 4 | 4th place |
Won a ground duel | 3 | 6th place |
touch | 44 | 12th |
average rating | 7.2 | 6th place |
Statistics by SofaScore | ||
As the figures highlight, Lewis-Skelly was outstanding against Atlético Madrid, contributing all over the pitch, scoring one assist and winning four duels, with Saka the only player to have completed more dribbles.
After the game, Arteta described his performance as “incredible”, but insisted Rice was “like he was made in a laboratory” when he was only promoted to the first team in December, adding: “He can go to the top. This kid is really special, very special.”
The 19-year-old has also impressed international manager Thomas Tuchel, starting in four of England’s six World Cup qualifiers so far and scoring just 20 minutes into his senior debut against Albania at Wembley in March. A fairytale moment.
So he had to be patient at the beginning of this season, but just because Calafioli has been so good, it’s not his fault and he will get his chances even on the bench.
The Italian played less than 1,500 minutes last season due to a series of injuries, but has already played 709 minutes this season.
So, while Lewis-Skelly will have a key role at the moment, as Arsenal want him to play up to 65 games this season, Arteta needs them all, and it will take a miracle for Calafioli to stay intact for the entire period, Dauman is likely to have a more important role going forward, given he is only 15 years old.