EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal to assess 14-year-old wonderkid in first-team friendly

Steve Kay

• 25 Nov 2024 13:00 CST
• 3 min read

At just 14 years old—soon to turn 15 in December—Max Dowman is already generating massive excitement within Arsenal’s ranks and the talented teen is soon set to be given his first taste of match action next to the first team.

Sources close to the club have described him as an "insane footballer", with comparisons being drawn to legendary playmaker Kaka.

Dowman, who became the youngest Arsenal player to feature in an U18 Premier League fixture, is being gradually integrated into the first-team setup.

In a significant step forward, a behind-closed-doors friendly has been scheduled in two weeks' time.

The match will prominently feature Dowman alongside fellow academy stars Ethan Nwaneri and Miles Lewis-Skelly, mixed with first-team players. Insiders reveal that the game is being organised specifically to assess these three rising stars.

Known for his versatility, Dowman can operate as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even as a winger, utilising both feet with equal proficiency.

His performances have already earned him a boot sponsorship deal with Adidas during the 2022/23 season, a testament to his growing reputation.

Dowman in line to break Nwaneri record

Arsenal’s academy at Hale End has a long-standing reputation of producing first-class players, yet the generation coming through the ranks at the North London side is generating terrific excitement.

Ethan Nwaneri set the club record for being their youngest Premier League player last season, when he played Brentford aged 15 years and 181 days. He has gone on to shine in the first team in cameos this term and was notably on target during Saturday’s victory over Nottingham Forest.

While it’s unlikely Dowman will make his Premier League debut this season, his development is being closely monitored, and he’s on track to challenge the record set by Nwaneri. Arsenal fans may need to be patient, but it’s clear that the club has unearthed yet another gem.