Darren Bent believes one Arsenal star will potentially stunt Max Dowman’s development.
Dowman has impressed in his short cameos so far for the Gunners, catching the eye against Leeds at the Emirates in August and during pre-season.
The 15-year-old is already earning comparisons to the likes of Lamine Yamal, and there are expectations that he will be heavily involved in the first team throughout this season, after being named in the North Londoners’ Champions League squad.
However, expectations around Dowman may need to be tempered, with the youngster not turning 16 until December and he now faces significant competition from more senior players in Mikel Arteta’s ranks.
Darren Bent says Bukayo Saka is a ‘problem’ for Max Dowman
Before Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri, Bukayo Saka broke through into the Arsenal first team and was one of the most highly thought of youngsters in world football.
Saka has been described as ‘unbelievable’ and has since gone on to establish himself as the Gunners’ undisputed talisman.
That said, Darren Bent believes the winger’s presence could actually present a problem for Dowman, as well as Nwaneri.
Given Saka will play almost every minute when he’s fit, Bent is concerned that Dowman’s path to the first team may be blocked and his development could stall.
“I look at Arsenal for instance, we’ve got Max Dowman – incredible,” Bent said on talkSPORT.
“We’ve got Ethan Nwaneri. Both can play on that right-hand side. We’ve got Lewis-Skelly. Lewis-Skelly is probably going to get more opportunities this season, although Calafiori has been very good [so far].
“But, their problem is they’ve got Saka there, who was a wonderkid. I think that’s his [Dowman’s] best position [on the right]. I think Nwaneri can play ten, but now he’s got Odegaard and Eze’s just rocked up. Do you know what I mean?
“So I think the wonderkids are there, but it’s just going to take a little bit longer than we’re used to seeing. I don’t think we’re going to see a youngster like that get into the first team at a club like Arsenal.”
Max Dowman will find a way into Arsenal’s team
Dowman has already been compared to Lionel Messi, such is the calibre of talent he is considered to be.
If he does continue to progress and get better as he matures physically, he’ll continue to be granted opportunities off the bench and in cup competitions, even with Saka and Noni Madueke ahead of him in the pecking order on the right-hand side.
Eventually, if he is as good as everyone believes him to be and his development continues smoothly, then he’ll find a way into Arsenal’s team.
Players of that potential level force their way into a side, regardless of who else is in the squad, because they’re simply that good.
There shouldn’t be any concerns about Dowman’s route to first team football at Arsenal.
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