Max Dowman quickly appears to be the most exciting young talent in the country.
At the age of 15, the midfielder of Hale End made a spot of Arsenal's Fa Youth Cup Quarter-final against Manchester United on Friday evening the final 3-2 defeat after extra time.
Against opponents two or three years older, Dowman was easily the best player on the field, and apparently on another planet, already very good for U18S football and the envy of rival academies.
In addition to the 7,500 fans who are present at the Emirates, this stunning performance was streamed live on the YouTube channel of the FA for everyone to appreciate.
If Dowman was not already known nationally, he is sure now.
Against full-time his name was trending on social media, partly thanks to an enchanting second half dribble from half the line to win a penalty that he then converted to bring the score to 2-1.
It is no wonder that Mikel Arteta is desperate to accelerate another Academy star in his senior team, especially after the frightening impact of Ethan Nwaneri, 17, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, this period.
If it had not been before bureaucracy, Dowman – who was turned 15 on December 31 – perhaps all his senior debut, in the footsteps of Nwaneri, who was the youngest Premier League -debutant ever in 15 years and 181 days in September 2022.
After he has been registered for the U15s at the start of the season, the Prem rules state that no player under the U16S -Age group can be included in a competition day team.
It is the same in the Champions League and must be at least 16 years old to appear.
Nevertheless, Dowman has spent large parts of this campaign training with the first team, including joining the senior stars during their hot weather journey in the middle of the season to Dubai last month, and this summer will probably be part of the travel party for the season.
But just like with Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri, Arteta will be patient to find the right time to unleash him.
In January Arteta said about Dowman – who also plays for the U17s of England: “Very impressive. Even at his age, some things he does in training are incredible.
“He is a player with enormous talent and we are convinced that we can develop him to become one of us. He is doing very well so far.
“At the moment there are many limitations for its age with all legislation, something that you don't even mention in other countries. It is also very difficult to change.
“We'll have to wait. He takes very fast steps because every time you put him in a different challenge, a different level, that obstacle overcomes very quickly, which is great. “
Dowman already has an image about him, which is why he was kicked by the children of United, something he might have to get used to – related to Jack Wilshere or Jack Grealish.
He responded at the end of the first half when he earned a yellow for his own tackle from his own tackle, with a filth of his game.
Full -time, after a debilitating 120 minutes, Dowman was clearly angry, but showed his maturity by going directly to home fans to just applaud them.
There was a buzz in the crowd when he slid the ball around the field, sometimes inviolable.
Yet you could see that he was playing with the handbrake – not to embarrass his opponent too much.
Records tumble when Dowman is involved and becomes the youngest player who can be seen for Arsenal's U21s earlier this season.
And in September he was the youngest in history scored in a UEFA Youth League-equal game in a 4-1 loss against Atalanta at the age of 14, eight months and 19 days.
Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri were in the Emirates on Friday to view Dowman and the rest of their former teammates. They would have played in another world.
Academy Manager per Mertesacker was also present, smiling as he applauded the team through the Tunnel from the director's box. What a job he has done since he played the role in July 2018.
It wasn't just Dowman that impressed. Center Back Marli Salmon, 15, and keeper Jack Porter have also left their mark. The production line of the Arsenal is again strong.
The U18s were given the first teaching experience at the Emirates and even played the national anthem 'Noord-London Forever' in the dressing room, as well as about the stadium speakers before the kick-off.
In the meantime, the youngsters of United also remained tradition and they came to the ground in their club -shaped blazer, shirt and tie.
Arsenal -Coach Adam Birchaall said: “[The Emirates] Is a spectacular place to come and play your football. It is where many of these boys go to bed and dream to play at night.
“If the dust covers, I know they will never forget this night. But we must ensure that this night, regardless of the score, is a springboard to step up and try to build a career. “
Comments