Arsenal prodigy Max Dowman delivered a cameo for the ages in the Gunners’ 3-2 friendly loss to Villarreal on Wednesday evening.
Max Dowman has been tipped for a huge future in the game and, with how he has been performing in pre-season for Arsenal, it’s clear that the sky’s the limit for him.
Dowman earned serious praise for his performances during the Gunners’ pre-season tour in Asia and he has followed that up with a masterclass against Villarreal.
Max Dowman replaces Bukayo Saka in Arsenal friendly vs Villarreal
Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
Max Dowman dazzles for Arsenal vs Villarreal
Mikel Arteta brought Dowman on in the 63rd minute and Arsenal quickly improved with him on the pitch.
Just a few minutes after coming on, Dowman kept a clearance alive and curled the ball into the box for Mikel Merino to have a go at goal.
And though Villarreal scored their third in the 67th minute, Dowman nearly pulled one back two minutes later with an effort that went wide.
The Arsenal youngster then won his side a penalty after slaloming into the box, which Martin Odegaard duly converted to make it 3-2 to the hosts.
Martin Ødegaard converts penalty won by Max Dowman.
The 15-year-old's introduction has immediately improved Arsenal, who are looking to play through him at every given opportunity.
Ridiculous feet, deft touches, creativity, intelligence, he can do it all.
What a talent.
— Ryan Taylor (@RyanTaylorSport) August 6, 2025
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Dowman continued to trouble Villarreal down the right with a number of dribbles and, come the final whistle, he had attempted eight in total, completing three.
The Gunners gem clocked up a number of other impressive stats.
Dowman took 27 touches of the ball and completed 13 of his 15 passes for an accuracy of 87 per cent.
He also made one key pass, attempted one cross, had one chance at goal, and won four of his nine ground duels.
Statistic Number
Minutes played 28′
Touches 27
Accurate passes 13/15 (87%)
Key passes 1
Crosses (accurate) 1 (0)
Shots 1
Dribble attempts (successful) 8 (3)
Penalty won 1
Ground duels (won) 9 (4)
Aerial duels (won) 0 (0)
Max Dowman statistics vs Villarreal
Those stats from a 30-minute substitute appearance would be great for an established player in his prime – but for a 15-year-old to clock these up, it’s staggering.
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Mikel Arteta has a difficult decision to make
TBR Football understands that Arsenal remain coy over Dowman’s chances of playing regular minutes next season.
The Gunners are unwilling to rush him and will likely be conscious of exposing him to the physicality of senior football at such a young age.
However, with Dowman doing so well in pre-season and impressing against seasoned pros, some Arsenal fans are already calling for him to be a regular on the subs’ bench.
In addition, it wouldn’t be surprising if EFL clubs began making enquiries over whether Dowman would be available on loan.
However, Arteta will no doubt want to stick to his plan of letting Dowman develop at his own pace and not put too much pressure on his shoulders.
The Arsenal boss has a difficult decision to make – keep Dowman in the youth ranks in terms of regular football, bring him into the matchday squads, or loan him out?