Jack Wilshere believes Max Dowman is better than he was at the same age, recalling the youth midfielder’s breakthrough during Wilshere’s time as Arsenal’s u18 head coach.
Earlier this month, Max Dowman became Arsenal’s youngest-ever player to make an appearance in the Champions League, and the youngest player to play in the competition for any club.
Arsenal’s club record was previously held by Jack Wilshere, and it’s not hard to draw similarities between the two. Breaking through the ranks early as highly-rated English midfielders with quick feet and a confident style of play, they have a lot in common.
More than that, the pair have actually worked together, with Wilshere coaching Dowman during his time with the Arsenal u18s. Reflecting on that time, the current Luton Town manager admitted he was impressed with Dowman from the off.
“It’s hard because I don’t want to be the guy who says ‘he will be this, or that’,” Wilshere began. “But every challenge he’s had at the moment, I remember playing him for the 18s and he was 13 and we were playing Southampton, a good academy.
“We were 2-0 up and I remember saying to my assistant: ‘Let’s get Max on the pitch.’ I stood next to him and he was already taller than me!
“I remember saying to him: ‘Max, remember you are playing against players who are five years older than you which is fine but don’t get into duels, just pop it round and have one or two touches.’
“He came on and the first thing he did, he ran around three players…I looked at my assistant and I’d never seen this before.”
As for whether Dowman is or can be better than Wilshere was someday, the former Gunner was emphatic.
“People say: ‘Is he better than you?’ He is better than me,” Wilshere insisted. “But what I do see in similarities is his love of the game. I worked with some kids who wouldn’t even watch games but he loves it. He loves the Arsenal, he loves playing for Arsenal.
“The most important thing with Max is he’s a top kid. He’s got a good family. He’s got a mum who is amazing, a dad who would do anything for him and wants the best for his son.”