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Max Dowman, the 15 -year -old midfielder, is part of the Arsenal team for a Premier League match for the first time.
Mikel Arteta included England Youth International as part of his group for the home match against Leeds United on Saturday after a rapid increase through the sides of the Academy of the Academy in northern London.
Dowman made his senior debut during the club’s pre-season in Singapore, leaving the bench against Milan in July. Later, he drew attention against the opposition of the Premier League to Newcastle United four days later, winning a penalty in another substitute appearance.
He traveled with the team for the opening match last weekend against Manchester United in Old Trafford, but did not do the last 20. Saturday’s match notes the first time it was included in a senior match team for a competitive match.
He remains to be seen if Dowman plays a role against Leeds, his development being carefully managed by the club and the coach staff, but after having constantly impressed training with the first team until last season and in recent months, he will do his last stage on Saturday.
The rules of the Premier League allow a 15 -year -old to play as long as they are 15 by August 31 of the campaign in question. Dowman was therefore not eligible to appear last season.
If he made his debut this quarter, he will still not be the youngest player in the competition with teammate Ethan Nwaneri holding this honor after having made his first appearance at the age of 15, five months and 28 days in a match against Brentford in September 2022.
Last September, Dowman – who was 15 years old in December – became the youngest player to have scored in a UEFA youth league match when he marked in a 4-1 defeat against Atalanta.
The midfielder made his debut for the team of under 18 arsenal in September 2023, at the age of 13, and played a certain number of championship games at this level in 2024-25 alongside several appearances in the UEFA Young League.
Questioned during the pre-season what would be the plan for the adolescent this term, Arteta said: “We do not know with all young children. At the end, they are constantly in and around the team and they get used to dynamics and requests.
“And above all to increase physical levels because the requirements they need to execute and have an impact at the level are really high physical standards. They get there and it gives them a good platform and they will have to win it. ”
Is Dowman’s inclusion a surprise?
By the writer Arsenal of Roche Art Athletics
Despite his age, Dowman’s participation in a first League match day is not a total shock.
Mikel Arteta had expressed the 15 -year -old in press conferences even before the end of last season.
The international in England under 17 should appear in pre-season, and its ability to reproduce its exploits of youth football against the Premier League players was exceptional.
He was not only impressed by the flashes, but has an impact on the matches by winning penalties against Newcastle United and Villarreal. Precautions will be necessary around its development, but today shows that the director of confidence Mikel Arteta has in his capacity.
(David Price / Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
