On the Gunners’ pre-season tour
Last March, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice praised Hale End academy standout Max Dowman, calling him “the best 15-year-old in the country.” Recent years have seen talents like Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly rise through the academy ranks to make significant impacts on the first team, but the buzz surrounding Dowman might eclipse them all. Manager Mikel Arteta shares this enthusiasm, stating in May: “Let’s see how this evolves, but we definitely have a major talent.” Clips of Dowman effortlessly maneuvering past defenders have been making waves on social media for some time now.
In February, just after turning 15, Dowman made a remarkable start for Arsenal U18 in their FA Youth Cup semi-final against Manchester United U18, being the standout performer on the pitch. He picked up the ball in his half, skillfully evaded older defenders, earned a penalty, and scored it himself, proving to be a constant threat. During this summer’s U17 Euros, while England struggled and exited in the group stage, Dowman was again a bright spot, netting a spectacular goal against the Czech Republic U17s. Currently, he is participating in Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Singapore, and expectations are high for his potential first-team debut next season, especially since he won’t turn 16 until New Year’s Eve. Could Dowman be on the brink of a breakthrough season with the Gunners?
What kind of player is Max Dowman?
Dowman’s exceptional awareness, confidence, and ball control set him apart from others. He possesses the rare ability to manipulate his body, allowing him to stop and start repeatedly to bewilder defenders. Combined with his strong ball-striking and finishing, he represents a daunting challenge for opponents. However, as he enters a critical phase in his development, it remains to be seen if he can replicate this success at the senior level against the league’s best defenders. Despite this uncertainty, it appears that injuries or attitude issues are the only potential barriers to his ascent to greatness.
Dowman’s statistics with the Arsenal U18 squad are impressive, with 20 goals and 10 assists in just 25 appearances—a remarkable feat considering he is not a striker and remains only 15 until late December. He’s also represented England U17 14 times, scoring four goals. As noted, he’s the youngest member of Arsenal’s pre-season squad and is anticipated to gain opportunities with the first team next season. So how does he fit into Arteta’s plans?
Where will Max Dowman fit in at Arsenal?
At the youth level, Dowman has primarily played as an attacking midfielder or right winger. This summer, he featured on the right flank for England U17s, frequently posing a threat by cutting in on his preferred left foot. Though he is proficient with both feet, many envision his long-term role as a right-sided number 10, akin to current Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard. Nevertheless, his versatility in assuming various positions will be crucial for him as he seeks to accumulate minutes in the first team at this stage of his career. With a chance to be regarded as a generational talent, Dowman will need to work diligently to carve out a place in the Arsenal lineup at such a young age.
