The boy has scored 14 goals in his last seven games for the Gunners’ youth academy and has attracted the attention of the international press.
Typically, preseason friendlies don’t excite even the most die-hard fan. However, the spotlight has recently turned to Arsenal’s friendlies, particularly due to the presence of a teenager: 15-year-old attacking midfielder Max Dowman.
The English prospect—not even old enough to sign a professional contract—is emerging as one of the best players of the new generation, thanks to memorable performances for the Gunners’ youth teams and the national team.
These performances brought Dowman early fame.
Estêvão (16 years and eight months), Endrick (16 years and two months), and Lamine Yamal (15 years and nine months) are some examples of athletes who made their professional debuts at a very young age. These players have carried the fame and status of “superstars” of world football from an early age.
These athletes share impressive statistics, experience with the youth national teams, impressive playmaking, and above-average technical skills. In this sense, Dowman is one of the strongest candidates to follow in the legacy left by the “golden boys.”
The youngster made his debut for Arsenal’s professional team in the 1-0 pre-season friendly victory against Milan in Singapore on Wednesday (July 23). He entered the field 20 minutes into the second half and demonstrated his exceptional technical ability with excellent performances.
He also converted a penalty kick in a pre-arranged contest between the teams at the end of the match. Four days later, on Sunday (July 27), he received another opportunity to play for the senior team in Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over Newcastle, a moment in which his talent became even more evident.
He came on 15 minutes into the second half and produced excellent runs, dribbling, and passing. In most of his plays, he started from the right wing and headed toward the center of the field (his dominant left foot) and was the key player in the comeback. On one of these runs, Dowman shook off his first marker and, upon entering the penalty area, was brought down by Brazilian midfielder Joelinton.
The referee awarded a penalty, which was later converted by Norwegian midfielder Ødegaard, who sealed the match in the 39th minute of the second half. Max was successful with two of his three attempted dribbles and found the net with both of his shot attempts.
