Max Dowman v Villareal
Image credit: Getty Images
Mikel Arteta has revealed that teenage sensation Max Dowman will be given a short break despite his impressive pre‑season performances for Arsenal.
The 15‑year‑old winger has emerged as one of the club’s brightest prospects this summer, delivering eye‑catching displays in several friendlies. Dowman again made an impact on Wednesday evening, winning a penalty after coming off the bench in Arsenal’s 3–2 defeat to Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium.
Dowman’s rapid rise has fuelled speculation he could feature in the Premier League this season, but Arteta is keen to manage his workload carefully.
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“Let’s see how it goes,” Artetasaid when asked about Dowman’s chances of making his first‑team debut this year. “Let’s go into Saturday, into the break as well. He needs a little break because he hasn’t had any holidays, really. So in the next few days, he’s going to have a break, which I think he needs. Then, the following week, he’ll be ready again to go.”
Arteta praised Dowman’s impact and efficiency in attacking situations, highlighting how highly the youngster is regarded within the squad.
15-years-old with only 13 minutes on the pitch and Max Dowman produced his magic once again for Arsenal in pre-season.
What a player. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/6bcxdoEL7G
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) August 6, 2025
“He continues to impress, without a doubt,” Arteta added. “The impact he had in the game again today, the efficiency that he shows in every attacking action, it’s incredible. He deserves to have chances, and if he continues like this, let’s see what happens.
“I think the reaction of his team‑mates is very clear, they have the ball and they give it to him. That tells you how much they trust him and the relationship he’s building within the team. Nothing better than that.”
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Arteta also pointed to Dowman’s consistency, noting that his pre‑season form reflects what he has been showing in training since last year.
“With Max, it’s been so fast. Even last year when he was training with us, he was doing this kind of thing in training, and now he’s doing it in games consistently. In the three or four matches he’s played, he’s managed to have big moments and make a real impact.”
Arsenal conclude their pre‑season campaign on Saturday against Athletic Club in the Emirates Cup before opening the Premier League season at Manchester United on August 17.
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