Max Dowman is already outperforming one key Arsenal star in a vital element of the game, fans should be excited

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Arsenal’s U18 side produced a fine performance but were pipped to the post late on in a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.

In front of a good crowd at the Emirates Stadium, the U18s once again shone brightly despite a heart-breaking late defeat.

Louie Copley produced an excellent finish to bring the Gunners back level just before half time after United had opened the scoring midway through the first half.

Jack Porter had produced some fine saves to keep the Gunners level before Max Dowman’s mazy run ended in the young star being brought down in the box and Dowman then converted the penalty.

Jaydan Kamason equalised late on for United, who then went on to grab a winner in extra time and progress into the semi final.

READ MORE: The last time Arsenal faced Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup included a defender with 228 Arsenal appearances and a Premier league winning striker with seven goals this season

Max Dowman impresses during Arsenal FA Youth Cup defeat

The real positive for Arsenal’s academy on the night was the performance of 15-year-old Dowman, who showed that he is more than ready to excel on the big stage.

Arsenal fans were in awe of Dowman’s ability as he glided across the turf with the ball sticking to his left foot like glue. He produced an incredible run to win the penalty in which he coolly converted.

One moment in particular during the first half would have lit up Mikel Arteta’s eyes as Dowman struck a line-breaking pass from inside his own half to set up a goalscoring opportunity.

Not only was the vision to see the pass impressive but also the ball striking was so clean from the youngster and something that is often missing in Arsenal’s first-team squad.

Dowman showing better passing range than Martin Odegaard

Dowman cannot play for the first team until the start of next season due to Premier League rules but is already showing signs that he can step up if required.

Darren Bent thinks Martin Odegaard has been ‘appalling’ this season as the Norwegian has struggled to have his usual impact on the side going forward.

Ball carrying and ball striking are two of Odegaard’s flaws in his game and based on his FA Youth Cup display, Dowman has these two qualities in abundance.

Often Odegaard sees a long pass in transition but doesn’t have the power to commit to the strike and it is something that Arteta will be watching with intrigue as Dowman continues to develop.