Max Dowman is continuing to write history at Arsenal FC. The English press is amazed, and Mikel Arteta also raves about his youngster.
Eight games, eight wins, and 16:1 goals! Arsenal FC has been on the fast track for weeks – and in the middle of it, a child prodigy. Max Dowman became the youngest player ever to start for the Gunners at the age of 15 years and 302 days. In the 2-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion in the League Cup, the youngster impressed across the board.
While others of his age play PlayStation at home after school or spend the first long evenings out, Dowman set records and had the English press singing his praises after the cup match.
Max Dowman impresses at Arsenal FC at the age of 15
England’s press celebrates the “Youngster with magic in his boots”
“Max Dowman is the Greatest!”, headlined Goal , and The Athletic also raved: “How unbelievable is Max Dowman?” At The Sun , it was already suspected: “Max Dowman could become the Lamine Yamal of the Gunners,” and commented on the performance: “An impressive performance by the historic teenager, who caused plenty of problems on the right side. Incredible dribbling, passes and movements by the 15-year-old, who withstood the enormous pressure from Brighton’s tough defense.”
Furthermore, the Daily Mail was sure: “Max Dowman shows that he belongs in Mikel Arteta’s team.” It continued: “It was Dowman who triggered the ‘Ohs’ and ‘Ahs’ at the Emirates Stadium, fascinated by a youngster with magic in his boots.”
Amidst all the praise for the starting debutant, coach Arteta was also “very happy for various reasons”. “That feeling of giving someone the chance and fulfilling a dream is unique,” explained the Spaniard, who was extremely satisfied with Dowman’s performance. “He simply does what he does best, which is playing football. He showed incredible skills again today.”
While Arteta certainly promised “regular appearances”, he also called for the youth to be protected: “There are many things that are new in his life. We have to make sure he takes the right steps. And he has to be able to handle it.”
Nevertheless, he noted: “If we look at his passport every day, we will never let him play, it’s that simple. But if you see what he does in training, you have to let him play, otherwise you are blind. So it’s about finding the right balance again.”
Before his starting debut in the League Cup, Dowman had already played three times for the Arsenal pros. In the 5-0 win against Leeds in August, Dowman entered the field for the first time and became the second youngest player in Premier League history. Only his now 18-year-old teammate Ethan Nwaneri was younger in his debut in the league, but did not debut in the first team until about two years later. Dowman also directly provided an assist in his debut.
Premier League expert Hebel: “Actually, he has everything”
With such a great talent, Premier League expert and commentator Joachim Hebel was also amazed. In the SPORT1 interview, he explained: “He has a talent for recognizing spaces, he is super fast, he is super dynamic, he is carefree, has super technique, actually he has everything.” Lever also said: “Everyone who has seen the guy immediately says ‘okay, he has it’.”
Finding a comparable player was difficult for Hebel. Dowman is most reminiscent of a slightly larger Florian Wirtz.
One of the most important companions of the child prodigy on his way to the pros was Per Mertesacker, a German World Cup hero from 2014. The former central defender is the head of the Gunners’ youth academy. “Great praise to Per Mertesacker, all the coaches and everyone who was involved in this journey, because here is a boy who has no doubts,” said Arteta after the debut against Leeds.
The insane record list of Arsenal star Dowman
One thing is already certain: The heroic journey should continue for Dowman, on which he has already been able to break numerous records. Already at the age of 14, he had debuted in the U21 team of the Gunners. With his goal against Atalanta Bergamo last September, he rose to become the youngest goalscorer in the UEFA Youth League (14 years and 263 days), replacing Youssoufa Moukoko.
15-year-old child prodigy even amazes his coach
15-year-old child prodigy even amazes his coach
At the age of 13, he celebrated his debut for the U18 team of the Gunners. He set another record by becoming the youngest player ever to play in the Premier League 2 at just 14 years and 336 days.
His technical skills and his extraordinary game overview have already brought him comparisons with the Brazilian star midfielder Kaká and the promotion to the training of the pros since the end of January. In March, he excelled in the FA Youth Cup against Manchester United despite a 2:3 defeat.
Now the student appeared for the first time in the starting eleven – but must also think about his homework in school until the next game. Last week, however, Dowman also secured a scholarship contract that will take effect in December when he turns 16.
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