Arsenal’s next generation: Five U18 talents tipped for the top, including ‘special' starlet

Arsenal have developed several young talents, including Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, who have both been promoted to the first team.

Below, we look at the best five U18 players at the club.

Max Dowman

Described as ‘special’ by manager Mikel Arteta, Dowman won a penalty that handed the Gunners the victory in the pre-season friendly against Newcastle United on Sunday.

Former England centre-back Rio Ferdinand called him ‘the best 15-year-old in England—maybe even in the world.’

The England youth international can cut through defences with passes, is good at set-pieces, and is decisive in the final third.

Marli Salmon

The 15-year-old centre-back came on as a substitute in the victory over Newcastle to make his debut. He only made his U18 debut last season.

Salmon has a blend of on-the-ball and off-the-ball qualities, making him a standout talent. He is physical, good one-on-one and composed in possession.

Jack Porter

He is the youngest-ever player to start a first-team game for the club after being named in the line-up for the Carabao Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers last season.

Porter was a midfielder before finding his calling as a goalie. He plays with confidence, is a good shot-stopper and a ball-playing keeper.

Dan Casey

Only two players outscored Casey in the U18 Premier League last term.

He is adept at scoring goals and providing assists from several positions, while his ‘link-up play in and around the box’ is also great.

The attacking midfielder was in the same scholarship group as Ayden Heaven, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.

Brando Bailey-Joseph

The left winger was named man-of-the-match when Arsenal won the Flamengo Adidas Cup – the largest youth international tournament in Brazil last year.

He is fast, likes to dribble and cuts inside to find a team-mate or score.

Bailey-Joseph is also an England youth international and recently signed his professional contract.

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