Hale End has become one of the biggest reasons behind Arsenal’s success in recent years.
The club’s academy has consistently produced elite young talent and saved Arsenal millions in the transfer market.
Bukayo Saka is the perfect example of that.
The England international came through the academy system and has developed into Arsenal’s best player and one of the finest attackers in world football.
Now, Saka believes another Hale End talent could be next in line to become a superstar at Arsenal.
Arsenal fans…who is Arsenal’s BEST EVER academy graduate and why?
Bukayo Saka says Max Dowman is the ‘Hale End player to watch’ in 2026
There is already enormous excitement around Max Dowman inside Arsenal.
The teenager is regarded by many as a generational talent and has consistently impressed whenever he has trained or played with older age groups.
Dowman’s technical quality, confidence and maturity have led to comparisons with some of the best youngsters to emerge from Hale End in recent years.
Several senior Arsenal players have already spoken glowingly about him.
Now, Saka has added his name to that growing list as well.
When Adebayo Akinfenwa asked to name the ‘Hale End player to watch’ in 2026 on the Beast Mode On Podcast, the Arsenal winger immediately chose Dowman.
That is huge praise considering Saka knows better than anyone what it takes to successfully come through Arsenal’s academy and thrive in the first team.
There is still a very long way to go in Dowman’s development, but the belief around him is clearly enormous.
How closely do you think Max Dowman will follow in Lamine Yamal’s footsteps?
Saka is the perfect role model for Dowman
If Dowman is going to fulfil his potential at Arsenal, there is arguably nobody better for him to learn from than Saka.
The England international has handled pressure, expectation and fame incredibly well throughout his career.
Despite becoming a global superstar, Saka has remained humble, hardworking and completely focused on improving.
That mentality is a huge reason why Mikel Arteta trusts him so much.
Dowman now has the opportunity to watch one of Hale End’s greatest success stories up close every single day.
If he follows Saka’s example both on and off the pitch, Arsenal could have another genuine superstar on their hands.
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