After watching highlights of his performances for the U18s this season, Arsenal fans can’t stop talking about Max Dowman.
The 15-year-old has already scored 19 goals for Arsenal U18s this season, a remarkable tally given he’s often playing in midfield.
Dowman has predominantly operated as a number 10 or as a right winger for Arsenal’s Hale End sides thus far, a talent who promises to follow in the footsteps of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.
Arsenal coaches have praised Dowman relentlessly for his progress of late, even if they also seem keen to avoid putting too much spotlight on the youngster.
And even after a game in which Dowman has scored four goals, Arsenal’s coaches still always try to focus on the team collectively.
Arsenal are wary of pushing Max Dowman too early
That being said, The Athletic have now shared a report looking into Dowman’s progress at Arsenal, and whether he might step up to Mikel Arteta’s first team squad next season.
Dowman could head on Arsenal’s pre-season tour to Hong Kong over the summer, a chance to prove his readiness for the senior squad.
READ MORE: £25m Arsenal target is free to leave this summer after failing to agree a new contract
The youngster will be eligible for the first team next season, and all indicators would point towards Dowman making his debut at some point during the campaign.
However, according to the report, Arsenal have decided against fast-tracking Dowman into any spotlight thus far.
The club are aware of how quickly life changes for young players once they are put into the first team picture.
And although Arteta’s side have also seemed keen to show Dowman that there is a clear route to the first team, they’ve been treading carefully.
Mikel Arteta got it spot on with Ethan Nwaneri
From the outside looking in, it would seem likely that Dowman will be included in this summer’s pre-season tour.
But the youngster doesn’t turn 16 until the end of the year so it would be a really tall order for him to play any kind of consistent role under Arteta just yet.
Lewis-Skelly has praised Dowman recently, as have many others.
However, it seems as if patience will be key when it comes to bringing the seriously talented youngster into the first team set-up.
Nwaneri made his debut at 15 but then wasn’t seen for some time thereafter — he returned to show his progress almost two years later.
And Arsenal and the club’s supporters will be mindful of putting too much pressure on Dowman too early.
