The most impressive thing Max Dowman did vs Slavia Prague wasn’t making Champions League history

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Max Dowman announced himself to the Champions League during Arsenal’s win over Slavia Prague.

It was a record-breaking night for Arsenal against Slavia Prague, not only because of Dowman’s introduction.

The teenager was brought on by Mikel Arteta with 18 minutes to play, making him the youngest ever player in the competition’s history.

At just 15 years and 308 days old, Dowman has written himself into Champions League history, but that’s not what the leading narrative should be.

• READ MORE: Arsenal fans were not happy with Bukayo Saka despite record-breaking Champions League goal

Slavia Prague couldn’t handle Max Dowman on his Champions League debut

As Dowman has already been compared to Lionel Messi, it was only a matter of time before the teenager was given the chance to impress at the highest level.

Impress is exactly what he did, as while the headlines will lead with his record-breaking appearance, his actual performance deserves the spotlight.

Before the game, Slavia Prague’s manager praised the quality of the Arsenal squad, but perhaps didn’t expect his players to be most troubled by a starlet born in 2009.

In only 18 minutes, Dowman was fouled twice, which was more than even Bukayo Saka was unfairly challenged by the opposition in 90 minutes.

The 15-year-old was the third most-fouled Arsenal attacker behind Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard.

Again, Dowman had only spent 18 minutes on the pitch compared to the two forwards who started.

Opposition managers have spoken about how much Dowman is fouled before, and it’s not difficult to see why the playmaker is hacked down so frequently, as he is simply unplayable with the ball at his feet.

Dowman’s statistics against Slavia Prague

What is so special about Dowman is how confident he is when he plays, despite challenging opponents that are, in some instances, double his age.

Nothing seems to faze the schoolboy, as his performance against Slavia Prague showed.

Dowman wanted to make his presence known, attempting three dribbles, completing one of them.

The versatile creator was fouled twice, but he also didn’t let Slavia outstrengthen him, winning four ground duels during his cameo.

It was a night to remember forever for Dowman, who is going to be an unstoppable force as his minutes at senior level increase.