Arteta praises Arsenal’s kids who joined them in pre-season

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·2. August 2025

Arteta praises Arsenal’s kids who joined them in pre-season

Arsenal have continued their tradition of including a select group of academy talents in their pre-season tour, and this summer has been no exception. Each year, the Gunners provide opportunities for promising youth players to train and play alongside senior squad members, and the latest group of youngsters has once again risen to the occasion.

The club’s commitment to youth development remains strong, with recent examples such as Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri serving as clear indicators of the pathway from academy to first team. Both players earned promotion to the senior squad last season and have since established themselves as regular members of Mikel Arteta’s plans. Their progress serves as inspiration for others within the club’s youth setup.

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Dowman Among Standout Performers

This pre-season, Max Dowman has emerged as one of the standout performers among the younger players. The midfielder has caught the eye with his composure, work rate and maturity, particularly considering his age. Alongside Dowman, several other academy prospects have also made a strong impression during the club’s preparations for the new campaign.

Mikel Arteta has shown faith in these players, carefully selecting those he believes are ready for the challenge of training and playing with the first team. So far, the youngsters have responded well, demonstrating confidence and adaptability in high-pressure environments.

Speaking about their performances, Arteta praised the attitude and impact of the group. As quoted by The Sun, he said:

“I’m not surprised, he’s (Dowman) been really impressive with what he’s done again at his age, the way he has entered the matches and with that determination, that quality, that decisiveness I would say.The same with the other kids that played, so it was another exposure to them, which is not easy, especially at that age.They certainly have done so, so well and made a lot of people proud.”

Max Dowman (Getty images)

Arsenal’s Youth Development Continues to Impress

These positive remarks from the manager highlight the club’s continued success in nurturing young talent. Arsenal’s academy has long been respected for its ability to develop players who are not only technically gifted but also mentally prepared for top-flight football.

As the new season approaches, supporters will be hopeful that this promising group of youngsters can continue their upward trajectory. With the right guidance and opportunities, several of them could follow in the footsteps of Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri and become the next generation of stars at the Emirates Stadium.

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