Max Dowman: Arsenal's 15-year-old shines in pre-season
Arsenal have added six new players this summer, but it is 15-year-old Max Dowman who is turning heads on their Asia tour.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reinforced his squad with six summer signings, including striker Viktor Gyokeres, as they aim to defend their Premier League crown.
But the standout performer on their pre-season Asia tour is 15-year-old midfield prodigy Max Dowman, one of the youngest academy players in the senior group.
Dowman, who first trained with the first team aged 14 and joined the winter camp in Dubai, impressed in friendlies against AC Milan and Newcastle United.
In the match versus Newcastle, he drove into the box before being fouled by Joelinton, earning a penalty that secured a 3-2 victory for Arsenal.
“What he showed today at his age is extraordinary,” said Arteta. “His environment—family, club staff and academy coaches—has given him the confidence to seize this opportunity early in his journey.”
Veteran support to nurture talent
Captain Martin Odegaard, who moved to Real Madrid as a teenager, praised the squad’s role in guiding academy players like Dowman and England U16 defender Marli Salmon.
“Everyone helps the young players,” the Norwegian said. “I share my experience, help maintain the right mindset and encourage them to shine. Their quality is clear and it’s exciting for the future.”
Dowman starred for England U17s at the Euro finals, becoming the competition’s youngest scorer. Last season he scored 19 goals and provided five assists for Arsenal’s U18s, playing three age groups above him.
Midfielder Declan Rice hailed him as an “unreal talent”. Dowman now hopes to follow former academy graduates Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri into the first team.
At just 15, Max Dowman’s composure and skill in senior pre-season fixtures underline his potential to become Arsenal’s next homegrown star.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
Discover engaging topics and analytical content in Sports News as of 31-07-2025. The article titled " Max Dowman: Arsenal's 15-year-old shines in pre-season " provides new insights and practical guidance in the Sports News field. Each topic is meticulously analyzed to deliver actionable information to readers.
The topic " Max Dowman: Arsenal's 15-year-old shines in pre-season " helps you make smarter decisions within the Sports News category. All topics on our website are unique and offer valuable content for our audience.