Max Dowman has already been shining for Arsenal, with pundits like Alan Shearer impressed – but Micah Richards claims he sees a slight issue with the wonderkid, involving Bukayo Saka.
Dowman has burst onto the scene at Arsenal this season, with the 15-year-old trusted for first-team opportunities under Mikel Arteta.
Most recently, Dowman featured as the Gunners advanced in the EFL Cup, starting the clash against Brighton & Hove Albion – and impressing.
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Micah Richards’ worry with Max Dowman involving Bukayo Saka
That said, there are always going to be some concerns surrounding a young player – especially at Arsenal – as Micah Richards has pointed out.
He suggested the only issue he sees with Dowman is that, with Bukayo Saka still very young, he’ll ideally want to play in the same position – and that surely can’t happen.
Richards said on the Stick to Football podcast: “He plays in a position that Saka plays. Well, I’ve seen him play in other positions – he can play number 10 and he can play on the other side and all that sort of stuff.
“But the manager, the way he is, I would say, is on the side of being a little bit more defensive than Saka and then allowing the players to come on.
“But he’s not going to play ahead of Saka, and to keep developing, he needs to play. That would be my only worry.”
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For this to be the “only worry” is hardly an issue to have. There will be plenty of game time for Dowman across competitions.
Arsenal will always be fighting on multiple fronts, and with a huge number of league games, Saka will inevitably be rested.
A nice dilemma for Mikel Arteta to have, that’s for sure.
Alan Shearer lauds Max Dowman for Arsenal
The winger has the world at his feet, something Alan Shearer has acknowledged.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, he lauded the youngster for his “incredible start”.
“He’s got to obviously get the balance right in terms of using him, and playing him, looking to protect him and look after him. But bloody hell, man – 15!
“I mean, it’s like, wow, 15. It’s incredible. To go out and play on that stage, and just look right, and just look as if he belongs there.
“It’s mad.”
Max Dowman in action for Arsenal against Brighton
Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
Dowman has impressed Shearer for good reason. At such a young age, it’s very rare to see a player flourish immediately.