Max Dowman just made another huge step towards Arsenal debut with latest academy progression

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Arsenal are continuing to produce exciting young prospects out of the Hale End academy.

Bukayo Saka is Mikel Arteta’s team’s talisman, and is the poster boy for the club’s youth set-up, while Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have followed in his footsteps this season.

Max Dowman is the next name on everyone’s lips, with the 15-year-old making waves at youth level this campaign.

Making his Emirates Stadium debut in the FA Youth Cup last month, Dowman wowed supporters with his ability, producing a display that wouldn’t look out of place at senior level.

• READ MORE: Who is Max Dowman? Meet the Arsenal wonderkid who has broken records and impressed Mikel Arteta

Max Dowman named as captain for Arsenal’s under-18s

Arsenal can’t play Dowman in the Premier League this season due to a ruling which prohibits players who were 14 at the beginning of the campaign from featuring at any point.

However, the starlet is expected to be involved in the first team in some capacity next season, and he’s seemingly making huge strides in his development on a weekly basis.

The Arsenal under-18s face Chelsea on Tuesday afternoon, with Dowman deployed in midfield in a team that includes the likes of Dan Casey and Louis Copley.

Despite being the youngster player on the pitch, Dowman has been named as the team’s captain for the clash against the Blues.

Already playing three years above his age group, being granted a leadership role shows how highly the Arsenal youth coaches think of the prospect as a character.

This certainly bodes well for his development and eventual integration into the first team.

Max Dowman could make an impact for Arsenal next season

Dowman won’t turn 16 until the final day of 2025, yet he might feature for the Gunners in a competitive senior match this year.

Arteta is said to be enthused by the player’s talent and has allowed him to train in the first team on numerous occasions.

Boasting exceptional close control, an astounding range of passing and an effortless ability to glide past players, Dowman could be the Martin Odegaaard alternative Arsenal have been looking for.

While immediate expectations will need to be tempered somewhat, as with all promising youngsters, the sky is certainly the limit for the Gunners’ next Hale End gem.