A child prodigy delights the football world and especially Arsenal FC. Max Dowman leaves Youssoufa Moukoko behind. The big career still has to wait.
Arsenal jewel Max Dowman has attracted the attention of the football world with an impressive performance in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup against Manchester United.
Despite the 2: 3 defeat of the young Gunners on Friday evening, the offensive midfielder was the outstanding player on the pitch and sent a clear message to Arsenal coach Mikel Areta.
At 1: 1, Dowman started a spectacular run from his own half, left several united players behind and was brought down in the penalty area. He confidently converted the due penalty to the 2-1 lead.
Max Dowman scored against United
Even in added time, the Englishman, who had only become 15 in December, had the chance to decide the game for Arsenals U18 selection, but his left-hand shot was parried by United goalkeeper William Murdock. Finally Manchester won the game in extra time.
For Dowman, the game against Manchester United was not only his first competitive game in the Emirates stage, but also a clear statement to the football world: Arsenal has a future superstar in its ranks.
Areta and the fans are thrilled
At the age of 14, Dowman had debuted in the Gunners U21 team. Through his goal against Atalanta Bergamo last September, he rose to the youngest goal scorer of the UEFA Youth League (14 years and 263 days), replacing Youssoufa Moukoko, who previously held the record.
The Arsenal fans celebrated him on social media as a “generation talent” and “future star”. One fan enthusiastically wrote: “Max Dowman is not of this world!”.
Areta also praised him publicly several times and emphasized that his talent was exceptional: “He makes very quick progress and overcomes every new challenge with ease.” The 42-year-old was enthusiastic about the accuracy, speed and high decision-making of the youngster.
The steep climb
The native Englishman developed into one of the most promising talents of his year in the renowned Hale-End Academy of Arsenal.
Already at the age of 13 he made his debut for the U18 team of the Gunners. He set another record by becoming the youngest player at just 14 years and 336 days who ever played in the Premier League 2.
His impressive achievements did not remain unnoticed at the international level. He has been an integral part of the English U16 and U17 national team since 2024.
Due to his versatility, the 15-year-old can act both as a central offensive midfielder and on the right wing.
His technical skills and exceptional game overview already brought him comparisons with the Brazilian star middle field player Kaká.
The professional team calls
Despite its young age, the talent regularly trains with the first team of Arsenal and took part in the training camp in Dubai in January.
“He is a player with great talent. We firmly believe that we can develop it into one of our players, ”said Areta.
Due to the regulations of the FA, the missions of players under the age of 16, the youth national player still has to be patient until he can officially appear for the professionals.
“At the moment there are many restrictions on his age in legislation, which is not even mentioned in other countries. It is also very difficult to change that, ”said Areta of the still prevented opportunity to use Dowman with the professionals.
The fact that the offensive jewel will soon get his chance – everyone agrees.