Arsenal wonderkid tipped for big future after 'one of the best performances' of his career

Yesterday at 12:27 PM

Arsenal U19s coach Max Porter has tipped wonderkid Ismeal Kabia for a massive future after ‘one of the best performances’ of his career to date.

Kabia conjured up two assists as Arsenal’s youngsters secured an impressive 2-0 UEFA Youth League victory over AS Monaco on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old Dutch winger is continuing to shine in the Hale End academy as he looks to follow in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Kabia made his first-team debut for Arsenal this season, coming on for the last nine minutes in the 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Bolton in September.

He could be set for many more appearances under Mikel Arteta if he keeps up his fine form across the club’s youth teams, according to Porter.

‘It was one of the best performances I've seen [Kabia] have,’ Porter told the Arsenal website after the U19s beat Monaco.

‘He's got to keep doing that and find that level consistently. Then there will be much more opportunities here at Arsenal or, if not, elsewhere to better his career.’

Arsenal manager Arteta, speaking after Kabia’s debut against Bolton earlier this season, said: ‘[The youngsters are] here for the right reasons.

‘They did it by proving they could compete at this level in pre-season and that's why we trust them to get the job done.

‘[The younger players] need to see the door is open, the possibility is there. It's achievable and hopefully that message gets across.

‘Big credit to everyone involved in the academy. They contributed and gave us these players in the manner that they are.’

Kabia, who is right-footed, mainly operates as a left or right-sided winger and spent time at Chatham Riverside and Sittingbourne Lions before he joined Arsenal’s academy.

He is waiting to make his Premier League debut, having been an unused substitute against Tottenham and AFC Bournemouth this season.