Max Dowman needs to be careful at Arsenal after post-injury change noticed vs Mansfield

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Max Dowman was one of very few strong performers for Arsenal against Mansfield on Saturday.

Indeed, Arsenal were not at the races against The Stags, but Max Dowman was a rare bright spark.

However, it wasn’t all positive for Dowman, as a change was noticed in his physique after his return from injury.

Indeed, speaking on commentary on TNT Sports, Lucy Ward noted that Dowman looks noticeably stronger physically in this game, but she also warned that there’s an important balance to strike when you’re a young player managing your body.

Dowman has massive potential, but, he is in a precarious position in his development at such a young age.

Imagine it’s the year 2030. How much is Max Dowman worth?

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Max Dowman needs to be careful

Ward noted on commentary that Dowman looked much stronger against Mansfield.

However, the commentator also said that he needs to be careful in terms of striking that balance between strength and agility.

“He just absolutely glides, even on this surface. Absolutely brilliant, just trying to create something for himself. He looks a little bit physically stronger than the last time I saw him, Dowman. It’s a real balance when you’re a player like him of keeping strong but also maintaining that agility and silkiness of his movement,” Ward said.

Now, it was important for Dowman to bulk up, but he must make sure he doesn’t go over the top here.

We’ve seen it plenty over the years how players can put on too much muscle and sacrifice other parts of their game in turn.

Adama Traore has been banned from lifting weights at West Ham for that reason, Kobbie Mainoo bulked up too much at Manchester United last season, while Petr Cech admitted he put on too much muscle at Arsenal at one point.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is another player who was accused of becoming a bit muscle-bound after spending too much time in the gym.

Dowman is progressing brilliantly as a player, but his coaches do need to keep an eye on him and his physique, because you definitely can become too big as a player.