I find myself being torn when discussing Max Dowman. There is the welfare aspect of talking about a player who is only 15 years old and understanding how much development is yet to go in this young man’s life, and then there is what my eyes see on the field which is an incredible talent who is having a serious tangible impact in every game he plays.
Many would argue that if he’s making an impact and impressing, and he’s able to play, he should play. While others might be concerned about the hype consuming the talent and the potential ramifications of that.
When asked about his chances of playing in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta appeared quick to quell expectations. He promised the player would now be given a break as he had not had the opportunity this summer.
“Let’s see how it goes,” he said. “Let’s go into Saturday, into the break as well.
“He needs a little break because he hasn’t had any holidays really. So, in the next few days, he’s going to have a break, which I think he needs. And then, following the week, he’ll be ready again to go.”
That being said, with a game of the importance of Manchester United coming up on the opening weekend, a team with Dowman in right now looks better than one without it. Arsenal have struggled to create high-value chances this pre-season, and two of their goals have come from penalties won by the youngster.
That type of impact is not easy to find in the Arsenal team at the moment and should be taken into account. The clash with Athletic Club at the weekend may indeed be vital, and if Dowman again impresses, then he has been consistently impactful across all the games.
There is no chance of drowning out the hype. There is not a club, manager, scout, or recruitment analyst in top-level football unaware of his talent. Arsenal’s job is to show Dowman this is the place to be, where he will be given the pathway and minutes to succeed, and therefore, he will want to commit his long-term future to Arsenal.
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