Ian Wright has revealed how he feels about Mikel Arteta’s use of Max Dowman at Arsenal this season.
Dowman made headlines on Tuesday night by becoming the youngest player in Champions League history.
The 15-year-old was introduced as a 73rd minute substitute in place of Leandro Trossard, adding to his growing tally of appearances for the Gunners before turning 16.
Arteta has now granted the starlet six outings in the senior side so far this campaign.
Ian Wright says it’s ‘really crazy’ how much Max Dowman is playing for Arsenal
Dowman is enjoying an outstanding breakthrough season in Arsenal’s first team.
The youngster has broken several records already, including becoming the youngest player to play in a competitive game at the Emirates, the youngest player to start for Arsenal and now the youngest to play in the Champions League.
This involvement at the highest level could easily overwhelm a player of his age, but it certainly hasn’t. Dowman has been brave and expressive when given opportunities, showcasing his immense talent every time he’s been granted a cameo.
While his role will likely become more peripheral once certain players who are out injured return to full fitness, these experiences will be invaluable for his development.
Speaking on the Stick to Football Podcast, Arsenal legend Wright claimed Arteta’s use of Dowman is ‘crazy’, but in a good way.
“It’s really crazy,” the pundit said.
“You can’t stop thinking about what he should be doing at 15 and what you would be doing at 15. I’m glad that he plays him.
“Because you look at Barcelona, I’m not comparing the two, but Barcelona played him. Look at [Lamine] Yamal. He played in the Euros at that age.
“You’ve got to find a way to make sure that you can monitor the way they play. But if they’re good, play them. Because that’s the only way you’re going to get the experience.”
Should Max Dowman be used even more by Mikel Arteta?
Arteta needs to be careful that Dowman’s minutes don’t take precedence over more senior players
Ultimately, blooding the teenager over an experienced international star on huge wages could cause unnecessary unrest in the dressing room. The manager hasn’t made this mistake so far.
That said, there comes a point where it becomes difficult not to pick the wonderkid. Every time he plays, he’s constantly providing value with his mazy and direct dribbling.
This is an attribute that the Gunners squad lacks in other areas, and Arteta should look to utilise it as frequently as possible.
Even if this means keeping him on the bench as an option late in games which Arsenal are chasing, it’s worth having the mercurial talent at their disposal at all times.
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