A matter of hours before Arsenal's massive clash against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, Max Dowman put in a strong performance for the young Gunners
Patrick Austen-Hardy Senior Sports Journalist
17:28, 21 Oct 2025Updated 17:49, 21 Oct 2025
Max Dowman clebrates scoring Arsenal's 2nd goal with Brando Bailey-Joseph during the UEFA Youth League 2025/26 between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Meadow Park on October 21, 2025 in Borehamwood, England
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Max Dowman put in another excellent display for the Arsenal U19s(Image: 2025 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
Arsenal prodigy Max Dowman reminded Mikel Arteta of his capabilities with a brace of penalties for the Gunners' U19s side in their 4-3 defeat to Atletico.
Dowman was put on penalty duty for the young Gunners against Atletico Madrid U19s in the UEFA Youth League, playing four years above his own age group. The Chelmsford-born star made his professional debut earlier this season, becoming the Premier League's second youngest player in Arsenal's 5-0 victory over Leeds United.
Against Atletico's youngsters, he stood out amongst his older peers and showed great composure with both of his spot-kicks.
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With his first penalty, he sent Atletico goalkeeper Daniel Rubio the wrong way and emphatically smashed home his second. His impressive finishes will send a clear reminder to Arteta about his quality, ahead of the Gunners' home clash against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
After the match, Arsenal fans did not hold in their excitement. One fan wrote: "Give him a lifetime contract" before a second described him as a "Generational talent." Another also hinted his team-mates were relying on him too much, tweeting: "Yes, this is why we still need him here till they build back their confidence."
A fourth fan called him, "Star Boy Dowman" using the same nickname regularly attributed to Bukayo Saka. Another fan also got rather excited about Dowman's display, writing: "This brother scores every game. He might be the next thing to Messi."
Max Dowman of Arsenal scores his sides second goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Youth League 2025/26 between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Meadow Park on October 21, 2025 in Borehamwood, England
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Dowman took both of his penalties well(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Unfortunately for his teammates, Dowman's coolness from the spot could not secure the victory. Harrison Dudziak finished off a fine team move to give David Horseman's young Arsenal side the lead, before Sergio Vinatea equalised for the visitors.
Dowman's first penalty restored the lead, only for Sergio Esteban to level proceedings with a penalty of his own. Ruben Gomez then put the Spaniards in front for the first time, before Dowman equalised with his second spot-kick.
Arsenal were not able to hold out for the point as Pablo Barrios fired in from the back post to hand Atletico the victory. Dowman is viewed as one of the country's most exciting young prospects and backed that up with an assist in the victory over Leeds.
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However, he has not featured since coming on for one minute in the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool. He has been in the squads for the victories over Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Fulham, but was absent for the draw with Manchester City and the win over West Ham.
In August, Arteta confirmed he will be given opportunities in the squad, but will still have his minutes managed. The Spaniard said: "Well, he’s going to be in and around the team.
"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.
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"So [we want to] make sure that we give the platform that he needs, the time that he needs, the environment that he needs. I’m sure he’s going to push every door towards the first team and have opportunities with us."
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