Arsenal News: Gunners Star Snubbed by Thomas Tuchel as ‘Next Bukayo Saka’ Emerges
Arsenal’s famed Hale End academy continues to be a factory of young talent, but even its brightest prospects aren’t immune to the challenges of international football selection. This week, England manager Thomas Tuchel made headlines by omitting promising Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly from the Three Lions squad for their World Cup qualifier against Serbia — a move that has raised eyebrows among Arsenal fans and pundits alike.
Lewis-Skelly, widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents in Arsenal’s youth ranks, has already featured for England at various youth levels and played a full 90 minutes in the previous international match. His omission from the matchday squad wasn’t due to injury or disciplinary issues, but rather a tactical decision by Tuchel, who opted to reinforce the squad’s defensive depth for the high-stakes fixture in Serbia. While not a complete snub from the national setup, the absence highlights the fierce competition for midfield spots and the fine margins in international selection.
The decision underscores a broader issue young talents face when transitioning from club success to the national stage. Lewis-Skelly has been lauded for his composure on the ball, progressive passing, and ability to dictate tempo — traits reminiscent of seasoned midfielders. However, with England boasting considerable depth in midfield, Tuchel’s preference for experience and defensive solidity saw Lewis-Skelly watching from the sidelines.
While one Arsenal prospect experiences a temporary setback, another is rapidly rising through the ranks and capturing the attention of fans and scouts alike. Max Dowman, just 15 years old, is already being dubbed by some as the “next Bukayo Saka.” Like Saka, Dowman is a product of Hale End and combines technical flair with a strong football IQ well beyond his years.
Dowman has impressed at youth levels and has reportedly been training with Arsenal’s senior squad on occasion — a rare honor for someone his age. Comparisons to Saka are not made lightly, but Dowman’s attacking instincts, quick feet, and ability to influence games from wide or central areas have drawn inevitable parallels. While it’s still early days in his development, the buzz around Dowman is growing, and Arsenal seem keen to manage his progression carefully, aware of the pitfalls that can come with early hype.
Bukayo Saka himself has set a high bar, not just in terms of performance but also professionalism and consistency. As England’s first-choice right winger and one of Arsenal’s most important players, Saka’s path from Hale End to international stardom is the dream for many young Gunners. If Dowman continues on his current trajectory, he could very well follow in those footsteps.
For Arsenal, these contrasting stories are part and parcel of nurturing young talent. While Lewis-Skelly’s omission may be a temporary disappointment, it’s unlikely to derail his progress. Meanwhile, Max Dowman’s emergence ensures that the conveyor belt of talent at Hale End continues to produce potential stars of the future — and possibly the next Bukayo Saka.