Mikel Arteta has made the call on Max Dowman’s involvement with the first team this season following his impressive pre-season form
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that 15-year-old prodigy Max Dowman will be considered for first-team opportunities at Arsenal this season following a string of standout performances during pre-season.
Dowman, who registered 20 goals and 10 assists in just 25 appearances for the club’s U18s last term, was included in Arsenal’s summer tour of Asia and quickly caught the eye with a series of assured displays. The teenager, already capped by England at U17 level, has become one of the most talked-about talents to emerge from the Hale End academy.
Arteta, who has generally taken a measured approach to blooding academy players during his five years in charge, admitted that Dowman is ready to make the step up to senior football as the Gunners prepare for their Premier League opener against Manchester United on Sunday.
“Well, he’s going to be in and around the team,” Arteta confirmed. “We’re going to have to manage his development very well, his next steps, and now we are fully connected with everybody in order to achieve that.
Arsenal - Max Dowman
Arsenal - Max Dowman
“We want to make sure we give him the platform he needs, the time he needs, and the right environment. I’m sure he’s going to push every door towards the first team and have opportunities with us.”
Although still only 15, Dowman is eligible to feature in domestic league and cup competitions. However, he will need to wait until he turns 16 later this year before being eligible for Champions League action. After being rested for the final two games of Arsenal’s pre-season schedule, he has since returned to full training with the squad.
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino also spoke highly of the youngster, stressing that Dowman’s mentality will be as important as his talent in determining his success.
“Max is an unbelievable player for sure, but he’s only 15,” Merino told TNT Sports. “Obviously he has many things to learn, many things to improve, but I think he has the right attitude to do it.
“The good thing is he has the right atmosphere around him, that’s very important in this club. Not only him, but all the other players coming up to the first team are doing really well. That’s thanks to their talent, but also the environment we generate here, the way the academy prepares them, and how the first team challenges them to get better.
Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino
“He just needs to keep learning, keep his ears open, listen to the gaffer and the players. He’s an unbelievable talent like many in our academy, and we’ll help him for sure.”
Dowman’s rise has injected fresh excitement into Arsenal’s new season, with fans eager to see whether the teenager can become the next Hale End graduate to establish himself at the Emirates.