Forgotten Arsenal duo now playing in League One and UAE ‘outshone Harry Kane’ in Gunners’ academy
HARRY KANE was overshadowed while at Arsenal’s academy by Benik Afobe and Chuks Aneke.
The England captain had a rocky road to stardom that included being released by the Gunners at the age of nine.
Harry Kane was outshone by Benik Afobe and Chuba Akpom while in the Arsenal academyGetty
GettyBenik Afobe played for Millwall, Wolves and Bournemouth[/caption]
Chuks Aneke made one Arsenal appearance before a career in the lower leaguesGetty
That decision was made as Arsenal felt they had brighter prospects in their academy ranks – prolific strikers so good Kane barely got a look in.
Afobe and Aneke were two such players, outshining Kane thanks to their athleticism and eye for goal.
Academy coach Dan Buck coached the trio at Hale End and he revealed Kane was often overlooked for matches in favour of Afobe and Aneke.
He told The Athletic: “On Saturday mornings, I’d do a session with the under-nines who weren’t selected for the matches on Sundays, and Harry ended up being with that squad a lot more than he would’ve liked.
“Benik and Chuks would rock up on a Sunday and score about seven each, and poor Harry would get five minutes.”
Aneke, 30, rose through the Arsenal academy ranks and ended up making one first-team appearance for the club.
He is now at League One Charlton after an injury-hit career which has seen him play for Birmingham, MK Dons, Crewe and Belgian side Zulte Waregem.
While Afobe, 31, has also forged a successful career, though failed to feature for Arsenal and left the club aged 22.
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He now plays his trade for UAE outfit Al Dhafra, having also spent time at Wolves, Bournemouth, Millwall and Stoke.
Meanwhile Kane has broken several records in his career including becoming England and Tottenham’s highest-ever goalscorer.
