Arsenal's New Gem from Hale End, Welcome Max Dowman

SINGAPORE, SUNDAY — The Arsenal Academy, Hale End, seems unable to stop producing talented young players. Following Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly, it is now the turn of 15-year-old Max Dowman to showcase his immense potential in the Arsenal senior team.

Dowman became the talk of the town after Arsenal's final preseason match at the National Stadium in Singapore, against Newcastle United, on Sunday (27/7/2025 WIB). Coming on as a substitute in the 60th minute, the attacking midfielder, who can also play as a winger, successfully inspired Arsenal's 3-2 victory.

The decisive goal for Arsenal was scored through a penalty kick by team captain Martin Odegaard. The penalty was awarded by Dowman, who forced the opposing veteran midfielder Joelinton to bring him down in the penalty area. Prior to that incident, Dowman had already passed defender Matt Targett.

"Exceptional. What he did today is something that is not commonly witnessed from a 15-year-old player. We are very pleased to have him. The environment around him, his family, and the people at the club have greatly helped him to be in this position," said Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta.

Dowman, replacing Saka, managed to create chaos on the left side of Newcastle's defense since his entry. The England U-17 player was too agile, quick, and clever for the opposing defenders. His playing style somewhat resembles that of the legendary footballer Lionel Messi.

The left-footed midfielder consistently posed a threat through individual actions. Just 10 minutes after being brought on, Dowman created a dangerous opportunity by evading three players simultaneously. He struck powerfully from outside the penalty area, but it was still parried away by goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Dowman only played for 30 minutes of regular time. However, he managed to record the most for Arsenal in terms of shots on target from open play (2 times) and fouled by opponents (3 times). This record sufficiently illustrates how dangerous the teenager is.

The midfielder appears emaciated compared to the standards of Premier League players, particularly those of Newcastle. Nevertheless, this can be compensated for by above-average agility and technical skills. Messi is not muscular either, yet he can easily maneuver past opponents and draw fouls.

Rio Ferdinand, the former mainstay defender of the England national team, has expressed interest in commenting on Dowman. "I have been talking about him since last November. If you haven't seen his collection of actions, take a look online now. He is the best 15-year-old player in this country, perhaps in Europe, maybe in the world," he said.

Dowman first caught attention in the U-18 English League for the 2024-25 season. At that time, he was only 14 years old and had already played alongside older players. Interestingly, the player, who stands 183 centimeters tall, shone with a record of 15 goals and 5 assists from 15 appearances.

Arteta sees great potential. The manager often invites Dowman to train with the senior team in the second half of the season. Arteta had considered including him in the main squad when many players were injured, but was hindered by the minimum age limit rules in the league.

Thanks to his outstanding performance, Dowman was selected to join the England U-17 national team. He made an appearance in the U-17 European Championship last May, contributing 1 goal and 1 assist. This performance further opened many people's eyes to the great talent of the "wonder kid."

Dowman was brought by Arteta on this pre-season tour in Asia as he will be eligible to play in the English Premier League next season. According to the rules of the English Premier League, players must be at least 15 years old when the squad registration closes. Dowman will turn 16 on December 31, 2025.

Dowman's path to the first team is wide open. Last season, Arteta successfully promoted Lewis-Skelly (18) and Ethan Nwaneri (18) from the academy. Both have made regular appearances. Lewis-Skelly was even called up to the England national team due to his consistent performance in the wing-back position.

At Arsenal, Dowman is directly mentored by the senior midfielder from England, Declan Rice. They are often seen conversing both before, during, and after matches. The presence of such a mentor will facilitate his adaptation at the professional level.

"At the age of 15, the journey is still very long. You may be the best 15-year-old player in this country, but that does not mean you will still be the best at 18. So you must remain hungry, work hard, and keep pushing. I often talk to Max. He is extraordinary," said Rice.

Since the era of legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, Hale End has frequently produced star players. Starting from Cesc Fabregas, Jack Wilshere, to Ashley Cole. This tradition continues in the Arteta era. A key figure in the current success is Per Mertesacker.

Mertesacker has served as the club's academy manager since 2018. The former Arsenal captain under Wenger's regime is very familiar with the team's philosophy and needs. He prepares young players to be immediately ready to be called up to the first team. Saka is one of the best players he has successfully promoted. (AP/REUTERS)