Arsenal output Max Dowman impressed the club's tour and one of his former Academy coaches has emphasized the personality traits that distinguish him from his teammates
The character of Arsenal Starlet Max Dowman stood out from his teammates, even during his early days at the club's academy. Dowman has been a breakout star during the pre-season tour of the Gunners, even though it was only 15 years old.
The attacking midfielder is the only one of the various unproven young people in the pre-season team of manager Mikel Arteta who played friendly matches on the side in all three. Dowman made his first team debut in a victory over AC Milan before he made an impression on Newcastle United and earned the winning penalty.
He replaced Bukayo Saka in the recent defeat of Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur, since the behavior of Dowman has drawn comparisons with the graduate Hale End. Former Arsenal Academy coach Temisan Williams previously worked with Dowman and emphasized a moment when his modest personality summarized.
“When I left Arsenal, Max was one of the few players who personally said to me:” Thank you for everything you did for me, how you helped me, what I learned from you and I wish you the very best, “Williams reminded of Sky Sports.” I always remember this – and this behavior is recognized by coaches in players.
“He was just a very measured young man, certainly mature further than his years, even when you talked to him one on one. When you talk to him, he would look into your eyes and he would really want to understand.
“What do you want me to know, what do you want me to do, how are you going to help me, how will this help my development?”
Dowman has clearly responded to all the advice of his coaches while he continues to excel over his age group, after he was called up with Arteta's side in November. He scored 15 goals in as many competition matches for Arsenal's under-18 years last season, and also became the youngest goal scorer ever in the U19 UEFA Youth League, 14 years old.
Despite his eye for goal and talent for dribbling with the ball, Dowman's approach made the most impression on Williams, a quality that probably helped him to adapt during his step in the first team.
“He was a brilliant teammate,” Williams explained. “I always look at when things go wrong in development football – when things don't come for players and they might be frustrated, lose all things like that.
“I would look at Max's reaction, he would always encourage his teammates. You would never see him dig a player on a very result or complain to players. I am sure that if you have played someone who has been trained and played with him through the academy, probably the same sentiments have asked.”
Arsenal boss Arteta showed the willingness to integrate the Academy front views into his title hunting team last season, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri who became tribal guests from the first team. Dowman is in the pre-season Squadron next to 15-year-old Marli Salmon, the 17-year-old striker Andre Harriman-Anneous and other young people and is about the latest Academy stars about a breakthrough.
Arteta discussed Dowman's Display against Newcastle and said: “It is special. What he did today against this team in the time he had on the field is certainly not common to witness a 15-year-old. We are very happy to have him.”
It is still to be seen whether Dowman will continue to link with the Senior Side as soon as the season starts, given his lack of experience at Premier League 2 level. His former coach Williams, however, has little doubt about the levels that Dowman could reach in the future.
“Champions League, World Cup, Premier League,” concluded Williams. “He has all the possibilities; he has the mentality. Mikel Arteta would not put him in the fold at that age if he didn't.”