Max Dowman is making history at Arsenal.placeholder image
Max Dowman is making history at Arsenal. | AFP via Getty Images
Mikel Arteta blooded teenage sensation Max Down in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The midfielder came off the bench on Tuesday evening, handed 18 minutes in his fifth ever Gunners appearance. Dowman had been on the bench against Athletic Bilbao and Olympiacos in the Champions League already this season.
It was another impressive cameo as the youngster slotted into the XI seamlessly, prompting some to even suggest the playmaker could be in with a shot of an England call-up. However, Dowman’s progression is being carefully managed by Arsenal given his young age.
Slavia Prague captain praises Max Dowman
Speaking after the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, Provod admitted he was stunned when learning how old Dowman is. He told Metro said: “I know which player it was, but I had no idea he was fifteen years old. And hats off to him for making it here in Eden – the youngest player in the Champions League in history. I will be watching him and I believe he will only grow.”
Following the Champions League win, Arteta said: "What he's done on the pitch - he comes in, the first ball he takes is he takes people on, he starts to dribble and gets a foul. That's personality, that's courage - and you cannot teach that. You have it or you don't. And it doesn't matter what his passport says. You throw him in this context and he is able to adapt and have a good performance."
Arsenal rival Manchester City over teenager transfer
Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly rivalling Manchester City and Bayern Munich over a potential transfer move for highly rated Feyenoord wonderkid Givairo Read. The 19-year-old is said to have turned the heads of top European clubs this season, as per De Telegraaf.
Manchester City are in the market for a long term right back successor for Kyle Walker, who departed the club permanently this summer. However, having tasted success with youngsters such as Dowman, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, the Gunners are also in the market to invest young.
Read only joined the Rotterdam club’s academy in 2023 but has been fast tracked to the first team. Since breaking through last season, he has made 47 appearances, picking up four goals and 11 assists.
The defender is contracted until 2029, putting Feyenoord in a strong negotiating position. Read is aware of the speculation around his future and recently said: “It doesn’t distract me, you know. I’m comfortable at Feyenoord, and my development here is the only thing on my mind.”
In other news, Mikel Arteta names Arsenal player who is a 'joy' to have after 'patient' Slavia Praha win.
Continue Reading