Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta included 14-year-old Max Dowman in first team training this week as they got ready to face Bournemouth on Saturday.
The left-footed Dowman, who functions primarily as an attacking midfielder but also has the ability to play on the right wing, has made a name for himself within Arsenal’s youth ranks. His stats are impressive for his age, with three appearances for the under-16 team and an impressive tally of one goal and four assists in just five appearances for the under-18 squad.
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The decision to elevate Dowman to first-team training comes after a particularly striking performance where he contributed four assists in a 5-2 victory over Fulham’s under-18 team. Jack Wilshere, Arsenal’s under-18 manager, praised Dowman, remarking in April, “There’s always a concern when fielding such a young player in these matches, but if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”
Wilshere also noted the need for balance in managing Dowman’s burgeoning career, stating, “He can be more consistent, but he’s only 14 and hasn’t even started his GCSEs yet. We need to find a balance of letting him play and enjoy because of his age but also trying to get as much work into him as we can.”
Dowman’s football journey began notably early; he made his debut for the Arsenal under-18s at just 13 in a match against Southampton in September 2023. Since then, Dowman has also represented England at the under-16 level, demonstrating his ability on the international stage at the Football Federations Cup.
Today Arsenal broke the record for the youngest player ever fielded in an under-18 Premier League fixture.
Thirteen-year-old (!) midfielder Max Dowman came off the bench during the Gunner's 4-0 victory over Southampton – an outstanding achievement for the talented youngster. pic.twitter.com/vZMia2bzNM
— Finley King (@AcademyScoop) September 23, 2023
Arsenal’s philosophy of nurturing talent from within its ranks has been reinforced by Wilshere’s strategic approach to youth development. “Debut opportunities aren’t handed out lightly, and Max has demonstrated over the past few months that he deserves this chance,” said Wilshere after Dowman’s debut. He added, “He handled the moment admirably, sending an important message to the team that when we introduce players, they possess the quality to contribute effectively.”
As Dowman continues to develop, the Arsenal faithful and the wider football community will be watching his progress, considering his early exposure to top-tier training, marking him as a potential future star for both club and country.