Max Dowman grew to become the second 15-year-old to symbolize Arsenal within the Premier League when he made his debut in its place in Saturday’s 5-0 win over Leeds.
Attacking midfielder Dowman was cheered loudly by followers on the Emirates Stadium when he changed Noni Madueke within the sixty fourth minute, with Arsenal main 4-0.
He later performed a key position in Arsenal’s fifth aim by profitable a penalty kick in added time, drawing a foul out of Anton Stach.
Dowman, aged 15 years and 229 days, is now the second youngest Arsenal participant in Premier League historical past.
Ethan Nwaneri was aged simply 15 years and 181 days when he made his top-flight Gunners bow again in September 2022.
Nwaneri additionally featured in Saturday’s recreation, having come on as a first-half substitute for injured captain Martin Odegaard. He has now made 38 senior appearances for the Gunners, together with 26 within the Premier League.
Max Dowman made his Premier League debut for Arsenal on the age of 15 years and 229 days
Sporting the squad quantity 56, Dowman was subbed on for Noni Madueke within the sixty fourth minute
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Dowman’s emergence has been one of many large tales of Arsenal’s summer season. He shone on the membership’s pre-season tour of Asia, profitable a penalty in opposition to Newcastle after outfoxing Brazil worldwide Joelinton and displaying flashes of sophistication in opposition to AC Milan and Tottenham.
His potential has already drawn high-profile admirers. Declan Rice has described him as the perfect 15-year-old within the nation, whereas Odegaard has pressured the have to be affected person with a participant nonetheless taking his first steps in senior soccer.
‘He is a prime participant, prime expertise, and I feel everybody has seen it now in pre-season, what he is executed,’ Odegaard mentioned.
‘I do not wish to put an excessive amount of stress on him and create an excessive amount of of expectations round him, however we simply want to present him time to be himself, to develop and be taught.
‘Everybody can see the standard. The important thing factor for us is to assist him, help him and ensure he can take it in his personal approach and his personal time. I am positive he’ll be a fantastic participant for us.’
Odegaard, who was himself a teenage wonderkid when he joined Actual Madrid at 16, believes his personal experiences may also help Dowman and fellow 15-year-old Marli Salmon regulate to the calls for of senior soccer.
‘Life can change actually rapidly once you get into the primary crew, so I feel I can use that have to present them some recommendation right here and there,’ he added.
‘Whenever you come by at a younger age, there’s going to be lots of expectations and lots of hype, however that you must keep targeted and maintain having fun with your soccer.’
Supervisor Mikel Arteta has additionally spoken glowingly of the teenager, calling his shows ‘particular’ and insisting Arsenal will handle his growth rigorously, simply as they did with Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Dowman didn’t seem in any respect fazed by the prospect of taking part in in opposition to a lot older opponents
Ethan Nwaneri (proper) nonetheless holds the file as Arsenal’s youngest participant within the Premier League
At 6ft tall and already snug in each central and extensive roles, Dowman has the bodily presence and technical capability to thrive.
Coaches at Hale Finish have even likened his type to that of Brazilian nice Kaka, whereas supporters have rushed to attract extra extravagant comparisons.
Dowman can’t signal skilled phrases till he turns 17 on the finish of subsequent yr, however Arsenal are assured they’ve one other gem on their arms.
His debut ensures his title is now etched into the file books — and marks the beginning of what the membership hope shall be a protracted and glittering profession in north London.
