Arsenal attacking sensation Max Dowman will not be rushed into Mikel Arteta’s team despite impressing in pre-season.
According to a report from TBR Football, Max Dowman is unlikely to get much first-team action next season at Arsenal. While he has been putting in some impressive performances for Mikel Arteta’s team in pre-season, the Gunners won’t rush into senior football.
Dowman has been a part of the Arsenal youth setup since his childhood days. The 15-year-old attacking midfielder got promoted to their Under-18s last summer. In total, he has featured in 25 games for the U18S and has contributed towards 30 goals.
The teenage sensation has even featured for their Under-21s. On the back of his exceptional performances at the youth level, Mikel Arteta invited him to be a part of their first team for the pre-season. He has been quite impressive in training, as well as the limited opportunities he has had, and Arsenal are now planning for his future.
Dowman won’t get regular first-team minutes
The 15-year-old made his Arsenal debut in a friendly against AC Milan. He was quite impressive in that game and carried that form into their fixture against rivals Tottenham. But in the North London derby, Max Dowman had two or even three players doubling up on him at times.
While it certainly shows the incredible ability he has, the Gunners do not want to expose him to the physicality of the senior level this early. They want to ensure that one of the biggest talents of their academy makes a smooth transition to the senior team.
As a result, they will only have him limited game time next season. Dowman will continue to feature for the youth teams, while he will be called up by Arteta every now and then to have some taste of first-team football.
While in terms of talent, he is ready to play at the highest level, he is only 15, and Arsenal do not want to put too much burden on one of their best young talents. Meanwhile, there are top clubs who have taken note of his impressive rise, and Mikel Arteta’s team will have to do their best to ensure they keep hold of him.
