Max Dowman made his long-awaited Arsenal debut in the Gunners’ 5-0 win against Leeds United.
Despite only being 15-years-old, Max Dowman’s name is already well known among Arsenal supporters, particularly those who watch the Hale End academy sides.
And in his half an hour against Leeds on the right, Dowman demonstrated why he’s considered to be one of the best English talents to emerge in recent history.
Of course, Mikel Arteta will be fully aware that he needs to protect the youngster, as he did with Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
But it’s already getting to the point where it’s difficult for Arteta to hold Dowman back – he’s simply too good not to be involved.
Declan Rice sends classy message to Max Dowman after his Arsenal debut
Prior to even watching the youngster against Leeds, Jamie Redknapp made a bold prediction about Dowman at Arsenal – he’s convinced he can go all the way to the top.
And following Bukayo Saka’s unfortunate hamstring injury, it will be interesting to see how many opportunities Dowman gets in the near future on the right.
Noni Madueke will be Saka’s immediate replacement in the starting eleven, but Dowman should get continued chances to prove his rich potential.
Max Dowman takes on Leeds' full-back for Arsenal.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
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That being said, Dowman went to Instagram to celebrate his first competitive minutes for Arsenal after full-time.
Dowman featured in pre-season for the Gunners, but Saturday was his first time playing in the Premier League.
Sharing three photos from the game, Dowman also wrote: “Premier league debut in front of all of you at the Emirates. A proud day for me and my family. This is just the beginning!”
Along with Arteta, senior players like Declan Rice will be aware of their responsibility to help Dowman, who has joined the first team at such a young age.
And in response to Dowman’s post, Rice actually commented saying: “We’re with you” – a classy and reassuring message.
Mikel Arteta might have new plans for Myles Lewis-Skelly
As mentioned, Dowman isn’t the only Hale End youngster featuring in Arsenal’s first team right now.
And after failing to start the opening two games of the season at left-back, it’ll be interesting to see whether Arteta is now beginning to ponder Lewis-Skelly’s long-term future, just in a positional sense.
The 18-year-old was incredible as a full-back last season, but he was a midfielder for the majority of his youth career.
And with Riccardo Calafiori fit and firing at left-back at the beginning of this new season, perhaps Arteta will experiment with using Lewis-Skelly higher up.
It’s previously been reported that Arteta wants to play Lewis-Skelly as a midfielder, and perhaps that will come to fruition in the coming weeks.
Either way, it’s clear that Arteta and Arsenal are in such a healthy position right now.