Max Dowman’s list of achievements continues to hit new heights – the hugely talented youngster made his debut for Arsenal U18s aged 13, featured for the U19s aged 14 and has now played for the U21s at 14.
In addition, Dowman is the youngest ever goalscorer in the UEFA Youth League and is also the youngest ever player to feature for any club in Premier League 2 since its inception in 2012. He is also a key player for England U17s, playing well above his age group.
To have achieved all of those feats in a short space of time surely isn’t a coincidence and thoughts will now inevitably turn to what the next steps will be in Dowman’s development.
Dowman trained with the first-team squad and his involvement in such sessions has increased recently, especially in the build-up to matches.
Given that Ethan Nwaneri made his first-team debut at the age of 15, it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility that Dowman could do likewise, although it would have to be the right occasion, perhaps against lower-league opposition in a cup game. A callup on the bench in the Premier League at some stage over the next couple of seasons also cannot be ruled out. If Dowman plays for the first-team before the end of this season then he will break Nwaneri’s record as the club’s youngest ever player.
With regards to youth football, Dowman is already established as a key player for Arsenal U18s and U19s at the age of just 14.
He is suspended for the final UEFA Youth League group game against Monaco after amassing three yellow cards and it appears unlikely that Arsenal will make it through to the knockout stages of that competition.
Dowman is too young to feature in Arsenal U18s’ FA Youth Cup campaign this season, which gets underway with a trip to take on Hertford Town tomorrow night.
It is anticipated that after making his debut for the U21s against Brighton yesterday Dowman could get further opportunities at that level during the remainder of the campaign.
He hasn’t featured for the U18s since October 19th for a variety of reasons, including international call-ups and first-team training sessions. Dowman, who mainly plays as a midfielder but can also be used out wide, could still play some games for the U18s in the second half of the season.
On the international stage, Dowman will hope to help England U17s qualify for the finals of the European Championship at that age group, which will take place in Albania next year.
Dowman will be able to officially sign scholarship terms with Arsenal ahead of the 2026/27 season and will be eligible for a professional contract from his 17th birthday of December 31st 2026. It is possible for players to agree such contracts well in advance.