Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hailed the extraordinary ability of 15-year-old winger Max Dowman, saying he would be “blind” not to play the teenager given his performances in training.
Dowman is expected to feature again for the senior side in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Brighton, having been left out of the club’s under-21 squad over the weekend.
The youngster has already appeared in the 2-0 win over Port Vale in September and made Premier League cameos in a 5-0 win over Leeds and a 1-0 loss to Liverpool earlier in the season.
Balancing Development and Opportunity
Arteta emphasized the importance of managing Dowman’s workload and mental development as he transitions into senior football.
“If we looked at his passport every day we would never play him, simple as that,” Arteta said. “But when you look at what he does in training you have to play him — if not you are blind, or I’m blind.”
The Arsenal boss added, “It is finding a balance, an understanding, especially the load, the things that are changing in his life, and make sure he can cope with that. So far he has done that.
He is 15 years old, still growing, a lot of things we have to make sure are under control to make sure he develops in the way he can do.”
Dowman Among Arsenal’s Youngest Ever Players
At just 15 years and 234 days old, Dowman became the second-youngest player in Arsenal history when he featured against Leeds, following Ethan Nwaneri, who holds the record.
His performances have already impressed fans and staff alike, marking him as one of the club’s brightest academy prospects.
Arsenal recently secured an agreement for Dowman to sign scholarship terms beginning next season, while a professional contract could follow when he turns 17.
Long-Term Future with Arsenal Likely
Arteta expressed optimism that Dowman would remain with the club for many years, praising his attitude and love for Arsenal.
“That’s what we all want and I think what he wants as well,” he said. “But the feeling that I have is that genuinely he loves it here.
He is a huge Arsenal supporter and his family are really happy with the way things are developing around him as well.
Hopefully for many years he will be with us. Everything that I hear from the player and the family has been very positive.”
Injury Concerns Ahead of Brighton Clash
Arteta confirmed that William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli have been ruled out of the upcoming game against Brighton after suffering injuries in the 1-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace.
The Arsenal manager is expected to rotate his squad but could still include Dowman, whose rise has been one of the most exciting storylines of the club’s season.
For Arsenal fans, the emergence of the teenager represents more than just another academy success—it’s a glimpse into the club’s long-term future.
