1 week ago
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Max Dowman. Remember the name.
With a third of the game to go against Villarreal on Wednesday evening, Dowman was one of six changes made by Mikel Arteta. The 15-year-old, alongside Martin Odegaard, impressed despite Arsenal losing 3-2 on the night.
The fact Dowman is not afraid to express himself on the pitch speaks volumes. The teenager demands the ball from players who are twice his age. He's not afraid to shoot, either, and saw an effort go wide not long after he was introduced.
The youngster then won his side a penalty after showing quick feet in the box, with Odegaard calmly making no mistake from the spot. It is the second penalty the attacking midfielder has won this pre-season after he was brought down inside the box against Newcastle. The pace at which he is making an impact is mindboggling.
Against Villarreal, Dowman touched the ball 27 times, made 13 accurate passes (15 attempted) and had eight dribble attempts (three successful), as per TBR Football. Every time Arsenal's No.56 touched the ball Gunners supporters were eagerly anticipating a moment of brilliance. It has been some few weeks for the teenager.
"He continues to impress, without a doubt," Arteta said post-match. "The impact he had in the game again today, the efficiency that he shows in every attack and action, it's incredible. Again, he deserves to have chances, and if he continues like this, let's see what happens."
Dowman's teammates have been equally as impressed. "I think the reaction is very clear. They have the ball and they give it to him," Arteta said.
"So, that tells you how much they trust him and I think the relationship he's building within the team. So, I think nothing better than that. The confidence they show to make things happen, and the constant connection that they have with him."
In truth Dowman has been training with the first team squad since last season. He was just 14 years old at the time. It's unclear what his role will be in the season ahead but judging by his involvement in pre-season, he's very much part of the first team set-up.
"Let's see how it goes," Arteta said when asked if minutes in the Premier League was a realistic prospect this season. "Let's go into Saturday, into the break as well. He needs a little break because he hasn't had any holidays really. So, in the next few days, he's going to have a break, which I think he needs. And then, following the week, he'll be ready again to go."
Comparisons will be made to Ethan Nwaneri, who had a breakthrough season of his own last campaign and also looked very bright against Villarreal. Nwaneri is now 18, however, and is further ahead in his development. The duo's situation is similar, though.
"The most similar one was Ethan. I think it was a different stage there, but with Max it’s been so fast," Arteta said. "Even last year when he was training with us, he was doing this kind of thing in training and now he's doing it in the game consistently. So the three or four games that he's played, he's managed to impact and have big moments in the game. Great."
With Dowman now set to have a break and most probably sit out of Saturday's final pre-season friendly against Athletic Club, all eyes will be on Manchester United on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Will the teenager be included in the matchday squad for the fixture at Old Trafford? You wouldn't bet against it.
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