Mikel Arteta’s next move with Max Dowman is so clear after what just happened

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Arsenal’s rising star Max Dowman did not feature in the first team squad when Atletico Madrid visited the Emirates in the Champions League.

Dowman is still waiting to make his Champions League debut, having not featured in either of the Gunners’ opening three games. 

The teenager was missing against Atletico Madrid, not because of Mikel Arteta’s preference, but because he was needed elsewhere. 

Dowman played for Arsenal’s academy side in the UEFA Youth League earlier in the day, ruling him out of the blockbuster at the Emirates. 

• READ MORE: After Max Dowman, it’s clear which two academy players Mikel Arteta will promote at Arsenal next

Mikel Arteta must give Max Dowman a chance in attacking midfield

Dowman will make history if he gets minutes in the Champions League, still being only 15 years old. 

On Tuesday, Dowman played for the U19s against Atletico’s academy side, where he scored twice from the penalty spot.

The 2009-born star’s double was particularly interesting, as he maintained his perfect record when he plays for the academy sides in central attacking midfield.

Academy expert Jeorge Bird noticed such during the game, taking to X to relay that Dowman has scored in each of his starts in attacking midfield.

Arteta already knows that Dowman has been playing in the wrong position for the first team, utilising the teen on the right wing rather than centrally. 

Now, the Arsenal manager might be more open to giving the rising star a chance in his favoured position, understanding just how potent he can be. 

Arsenal U19 are struggling in the UEFA Youth League

Though some fans would love to see more of Dowman’s Lionel Messi-like ability in the first team, it’s positive that the 15-year-old is still being tested at academy level. 

Tested is exactly what Arsenal’s U19 side have been this season in the UEFA Youth League, still winless in their opening three fixtures.

Arsenal U19 lost 4-3 to Atletico on matchday three, and it’s fair to say that coach David Horseman wanted to see more.

Horseman described the contest as one of the ‘most chaotic’ matches he’d been involved in, but couldn’t hide his disappointment with the result.

“We got ourselves into really strong positions in the game, both score-wise and positionally at times,” he said, as per Arsenal’s official website. 

“We just said in the changing rooms that today probably sums up our competition so far. We don’t feel like we’ve lost three games. In the games, I think we’ve kind of given them away, which is part of a young player’s development.”

There are positives that come with playing against such quality teams, particularly for Dowman, who is on the fence between the first team and the academy.