Arsenal's Teen Debutants: From Nwaneri's Record-Breaker to Fabregas Glory – And the Sad Stories Too

Imagine Arsenal handing starts to two 16-year-olds, Marli Salmon and Max Dowman, in their FA Cup stroll past Mansfield. Not even their first taste of senior action, but it nudged the Gunners into rare territory. Just 11 players in the club's illustrious history have pulled on the red and white before blowing out 17 candles. Some soared to stardom; others? Well, let's crack on with the tales, as originally dug up by Planet Football on OneFootball.

The New Hale End Hopefuls: Still Wet Behind the Ears

Top of the pile is Ethan Nwaneri, who shattered the Premier League's youngest debutant mark at 15 years and 181 days back in 2022. Subbed on to nurse a win over Brentford, the kid's now 18 and on loan at Marseille after a proper first-team crack last season. Summer signings shuffled him down, but with his attacking flair, expect fireworks upon return.

Hot on his heels, Max Dowman ( 15 years, 302 days ) dazzled in pre-season and bagged a PL bow in the 5-0 rout of Leeds. He even nicked a penalty! Ankle knock kept him out, but he's back firing in cups, eyeing James Vaughan's youngest scorer record with 200 days to spare.

Jack Porter ( 16 years, 72 days ), the baby-faced keeper, started a League Cup mauling of Bolton ( 5-1 ). Stuck behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga, he's honing skills at youth level. England U19 cap in pocket – loan spell beckons?

And Marli Salmon ( 16 years, 103 days ), the latest defender off the Hale End line. Bench cameos versus Club Brugge, Portsmouth and Wigan, now a start at Mansfield. Mikel Arteta's victory lap material if the title's wrapped early?

Golden Boys and Near Misses: Fabregas to Pennant

Fast-forward to Cesc Fabregas ( 16 years, 177 days ). Broke through amid the Invincibles, hit 300 appearances young, graced the 2006 Champions League final. Trophies galore at Barca, Chelsea and with Spain, now masterminding Como's top-table push. Top job incoming.

Jack Wilshere ( 16 years, 256 days ) had us all dreaming after bossing Barcelona. Nearly 200 Gunners games, two FA Cups, but injuries cruelly clipped him. Retired post-AGF, now bossing Luton after youth stints at Arsenal and Norwich.

Jermaine Pennant ( 16 years, 319 days ) debuted in '99, started that 2007 CL final loss to AC Milan with Liverpool. Nomadic career – Pune City to Billericay – before hanging boots in 2017. Now talkSPORT pundit and tabloid regular.

Forgotten Heroes and Heartbreakers

Deeper history: Gerry Ward ( 16 years, 321 days ), 1953 debut as a wing-half. 81 league games for Arsenal, then Leyton Orient, Cambridge City, Barnet (briefly managed). Passed at 57 in 1994.

Tragic Paul Vaessen ( 16 years, 346 days ), '80s striker who netted the Cup Winners' Cup semi clincher at Juventus. Injuries wrecked him, early retirement led to darker paths. Gone too soon at 39 in 2001.

(Note: Full list hits 11, but these gems capture the spectrum – legends, prospects, pitfalls.)

Arsenal's youth pipeline keeps churning magic. Will Dowman or Nwaneri join Fabregas in the hall of fame? Or echo the faded? Arteta's got the Midas touch – grab a pint and watch this space.