Max Dowman impressed on his Premier League debut for Arsenal against Leeds United on Saturday.
The youngster was introduced in place of Noni Madueke in the 64th minute against the Yorkshire outfit, becoming the second youngest player to be given senior minutes in the Gunners’ history, behind Ethan Nwaneri.
Winning a penalty in the dying embers, the 15-year-old caught the eye with his composure and maturity on the ball.
Theo Walcott compared Dowman to Lionel Messi after the game, and the former Arsenal winger isn’t the only ex-player to be singing his praises.
Rio Ferdinand says Max Dowman is ‘as good as it gets’ from a psychological standpoint
Arsenal don’t want to pile too much pressure on Dowman, but it’s almost impossible to limit the talk around him given his impact whenever he plays.
Showing remarkable quality at such a young age, the Hale End graduate is going to be praised excessively every time he sets foot on the pitch.
Dowman broke another record on Saturday, becoming the youngest Arsenal player to feature in a matchday squad in a competitive fixture at the Emirates.
However, this record was quickly forgotten about after he was brought on to the field of play and showcased his talent.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand presents, the former Manchester United defender waxed lyrical about Dowman’s mentality.
“Wow. Wow, wow, wow,” Ferdinand said.
“Like this kid, I mean, it’s not like only people who know the youth game, or know the academy game.
“Anyone who’s got any idea or has ears or eyes knows of Max Dowman and the potential that he possesses. But I spoke about it earlier, about approaching games from a psychological standpoint. This kid between the ears, he just looks as good as it gets.
“He ain’t fazed. You know that he’s been asked all these years and the thought of playing in the first team, the thought of getting there, the conversations that are being had at home with his mum and dad, the expectation within his house of him, because they’re so confident in him.
“But they keep him level-headed because he’s from a good background, good stock.”
Max Dowman should be on the bench again at Anfield
Bukayo Saka has been ruled out of Arsenal’s trip to Anfield after sustaining a hamstring injury against Leeds.
The England international and Kai Havertz will both miss the clash, while Martin Odegaard, Ben White and Christian Norgaard are all doubts.
This should mean there is space for Dowman to make the bench again, and Mikel Arteta should pounce on that opportunity.
Every squad that he’s involved in will be important to his development, as he learns the dynamics of matchdays and how intense the environment is.
He’s also proven to be a genuinely reliable impact substitute, and could certainly be used off the bench if the Gunners need a goal against Liverpool.
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