Max Dowman continues to shine as Arsenal’s pre-season revelation | OneFootball

Arsenal may have suffered a 3–2 home defeat to Villarreal, but all eyes were once again on 15-year-old Max Dowman, who delivered another standout performance that had fans and teammates alike on their feet.

Despite his age, Dowman has looked entirely at home against seasoned professionals, and his latest display only added to the growing excitement surrounding him. The teenage midfielder won a penalty with a dazzling dribble through Villarreal’s backline – just as he did against Newcastle in Asia – and impressed with his composure, creativity and fearless presence on the pitch.

Dowman’s performances this summer, which have also come against the likes of AC Milan and Tottenham, have prompted widespread admiration. Manager Mikel Arteta is among those clearly taken aback by the youngster’s rapid rise and consistent quality.

“He continues to impress, without a doubt,” said Arteta. “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.”

For Arsenal fans, the sight of a homegrown talent stepping up so confidently into senior football evokes memories of Ethan Nwaneri’s breakthrough. Arteta, who also nurtured Nwaneri in his early steps, sees parallels, but believes Dowman’s trajectory is unique.

“The most similar one was Ethan [Nwaneri]. I think it was a different stage there, but with Max, it’s been so fast. 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.”

Perhaps most telling is the reaction from Arsenal’s senior players. Far from shielding him, they are actively involving the teenager; a sign of both his quality and the trust he has already earned.

“I think the reaction is very clear. They have the ball and they give it to him,” Arteta explained. “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.”

With one more pre-season fixture to come, at home to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, Dowman may yet have another chance to shine before Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign at Old Trafford.

“I think the game on Saturday will be the last one, and then that week towards Man Utd will be just preparation,” said Arteta. “So, in a lot of things, I’m very happy. Today, I think the result is painful. I think they’ve been super-efficient but we’ve been naïve, especially the way we have defending open spaces and that’s something that, especially the way we play, we have to absolutely nail. Today we haven’t been good at all in that department and that has cost us the game, for sure.”

Still, the bigger picture may be one of optimism. With Dowman continuing to exceed expectations, Arsenal fans have a new reason to look forward to the season ahead.