In the hallowed halls of football clubs, certain shirt numbers transcend mere identification, becoming symbols of legacy, expectation, and a particular playing style. At Arsenal, the number 7 shirt carries precisely this weight. It`s a jersey worn by players expected to combine flair with productivity, to ignite attacks, and to inspire the faithful.
A Recent History: The Shirt`s Illustrious and Brief Occupants
Over the past decade, Arsenal`s number 7 shirt has seen its share of drama, held by individuals who have etched their names into the club`s narrative, for better or worse. Following the departure of Czech international Tomas Rosický, the shirt found its next formidable occupant in Alexis Sanchez ahead of the 2016/17 season.
Sanchez was already a force, having delivered 37 goal involvements in 41 games the season prior. With the number 7 on his back, however, he truly ascended to another level. The 2016/17 campaign saw the Chilean international score an astounding 30 goals and provide 18 assists across 51 appearances. This translates to a goal involvement every 1.06 games, or a contribution every 88.12 minutes – a statistical marvel that underscored his superstar status. To cap it off, he scored the opening goal in the club`s memorable 2-1 FA Cup Final triumph over Chelsea.
However, as with many compelling stories, this chapter had an abrupt end. Mid-way through the subsequent season, Sanchez departed for Manchester United. His replacement, arriving in a swap deal, was Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The Armenian international inherited the number 7, though notably wore 77 in Europa League fixtures due to regulations. While undeniably talented, Mkhitaryan`s tenure in North London was, frankly, forgettable for the shirt`s legacy. He tallied a modest nine goals and 13 assists in 59 games before being loaned out to AS Roma within a year and a half. The number 7`s star power seemed momentarily dimmed, a testament that talent alone isn`t always enough to carry such symbolic weight.
Bukayo Saka: The Current Standard Bearer and Club Talisman
Then came July 2020, and the number 7 was bestowed upon one of Arsenal`s own: Bukayo Saka. A product of the famed Hale End academy, Saka`s ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. While he may not have delivered a single season as explosively as Sanchez`s 16/17 peak, Saka has carved out a different, arguably more enduring, legacy. He has become the reliable source of goal involvements, the player who steps up in crucial moments, and, perhaps most importantly, the vibrant face of Mikel Arteta`s ambitious project and the club`s ongoing rejuvenation.
His consistency is remarkable. Saka recently marked his 100th Premier League goal involvement in just his 200th league appearance. Overall, since his first-team debut, this “legend in the making,” as talent scout Jacek Kulig aptly dubbed him, boasts an impressive record of 73 goals and 72 assists in 270 games. This translates to a goal involvement every 1.86 games, or every 141.02 minutes. What makes these statistics even more impressive is the context: Saka spent much of his early career deployed out of position, often at left-back, showcasing his versatility and dedication before settling into his preferred wide attacking role.
Given his consistent performance, unwavering importance, and relatively young age, it`s clear that Bukayo Saka is set to retain Arsenal`s number 7 shirt for the foreseeable future, potentially for the next decade. Yet, the question naturally arises: who will be his long-term heir?
The Future Beckons: Max Dowman, England`s “Biggest Talent”
Arsenal`s Hale End academy continues to be a factory of exceptional talent. While some might point to Ethan Nwaneri, who has also shown immense promise and played off the right wing, the club`s increasing tendency to view him as a central player suggests the search for a pure wide successor continues. And here, a new name, younger still, emerges with a buzz that few academy prospects experience: Max Dowman.
At just 15 years old, Dowman is already generating significant media attention and is being lauded by some as “the biggest talent in England.” Such lofty praise, especially at such a tender age, naturally comes with immense pressure. However, what makes Dowman a compelling candidate for the future number 7 is precisely his natural inclination to thrive out wide. He possesses the attributes – pace, intricate dribbling ability, and an acute eye for goal – that make a modern wide forward so effective, mirroring many of Saka`s qualities and suggesting he could easily slot into a similar role on the flank.
The prospect of Dowman eventually inheriting Saka`s number 7 shirt isn`t just a speculative fantasy; it`s a testament to Arsenal`s robust youth development system and their commitment to nurturing future stars. The continuity of having a Hale End graduate don the iconic number 7, passing the torch from one homegrown hero to the next, would be a poetic continuation of Arsenal`s identity, reinforcing the club`s philosophy of building from within.
Only time will tell if Dowman can truly live up to the hype and fulfill the immense expectations that come with such a coveted jersey. But for now, the future of Arsenal`s number 7 looks bright, safeguarded by Saka`s present brilliance and illuminated by the thrilling potential of young Max Dowman, ready to step into a legacy he is, by all accounts, destined to influence.
