Arsenal fans are growing increasingly excited by the Hale End academy’s latest wonderkid emerging through the system, Max Dowman.
Dowman impressed with an outstanding display for the England under-17s at the Euros last week, scoring and providing an assist for his country.
The teenager has been exquisite for the Arsenal under-18s all season, despite only turning 15 in December.
Finishing the campaign with 15 goals and five assists in 15 under-18 Premier League appearances, many are calling for the starlet to be involved in the Gunners’ first team next term.
Dowman is expected to go on Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia in July, which could certainly put him in contention for senior minutes under Mikel Arteta next season.
What Max Dowman needs to do in pre-season for Arsenal first team role
Ashley Cole warned Arsenal fans not to pile the pressure on Dowman by hyping him up too much on social media back in April.
Since then, the 15-year-old has delivered more eye-catching moments for Arsenal and England, and the excitement is merely growing.
With Martin Odegaard struggling in the second half of last season, and Ethan Nwaneri’s contract situation not yet settled, there is a feeling that Dowman could make inroads into the first team next campaign.
He’ll get an opportunity to showcase his talent and stake a claim this summer on tour, although journalist Charles Watts has tempered expectations somewhat.
Writing in his CaughtOffside column, the Arsenal reporter revealed his belief that how much Dowman features next season will depend on how he handles the step up during pre-season.
Arteta will closely observe the youngster on and off the pitch during the Gunners’ trip to Singapore and Hong Kong.
Watts suggests the Spaniard will be looking to gauge how Dowman copes with the increased physicality of senior football, and how he handles himself off the pitch, with the first team squad.
Arsenal fans need to temper Max Dowman expectations for next season
Dowman’s talent is undeniable, and he looks to be the next big thing breaking through Arsenal’s illustrious academy.
However, under-18 football is a far cry from Premier League football, and the physical step up is monumental.
The Hale End star won’t be able to dribble past five players and slot the ball home with ease in every single game yet at under-21 level, let alone at senior level.
He’ll need time to adapt to the increased demands of men’s football, and it’s unlikely that he’ll play a prominent role next season for Arteta’s team.
He could certainly feature in some capacity, particularly in domestic cup competitions, but the likelihood of him playing any meaningful league minutes is low.
Given he doesn’t turn 16 until the end of December, there should be no rush to integrate him into the first team, and he should instead be given plenty of time to improve away from the limelight.
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