There was little doubt that Max Dowman’s performance for Arsenal against Newcastle United was what stole the show on Sunday afternoon. The 15-year-old once again showed his confidence on the ball, which matched the ability to take players on and win a match-defining penalty kick.
It was not Dowman who took the penalty; instead, captain Martin Odegaard was responsible. Some might have questioned why not let the youngster take it, especially after his calm spot kick in a post-win shootout against AC Milan days earlier, but there were several good reasons why.
Firstly, Odegaard had seen his spot kick saved in the match with AC Milan, as did several of his teammates on the day. While a penalty in a friendly match might not hold much weight, it was the second penalty in a row the Norwegian had missed.
He turned away from the strike with a wry smile, one must assume. He had last missed a penalty in a vital moment against Manchester United in the FA Cup.
Had he scored, the Gunners would have probably gone through on what was a wasteful afternoon for Mikel Arteta’s side. Scoring his in such style, however, will have recovered much of that confidence ahead of a new season.
Furthermore, Dowman’s work to win the penalty was sublime. This highlight has been rewound and replayed by supporters around the world.
By having Odegaard take the penalty, it meant that whatever happened, Dowman would have that moment with no chance of its weight being diminished by a potential penalty miss, however likely or unlikely that might have been. Yet, it was not the penalty itself that had the biggest impact on Odegaard.
Watching the game, Odegaard was having a decent performance; but when Dowman entered the field, from a personal perspective, I noticed a change in the skipper’s game. Suddenly, there was an extra purpose in how Odegaard performed.
Shots were being taken from outside the box, Nick Pope was being tested in Newcastle’s goal, and there was an extra purposefulness to his runs. Some might see this as a negative, but in some ways, it shows not only the impact of what a youngster can have on the team, but also that the players are stepping up in response to Dowman’s presence.
It makes sense that, as a senior player, seeing such a young star performing at such a standard would have a psychological impact and encourage you to step up your game, even if it’s just a friendly. Dowman is sure to get chances next season, as Mikel Arteta described what we were seeing as “certainly not common” and “special” as he lauded the youngster’s output.
Dowman was restricted from senior football last season because he only turns 16 in December of this year. He is now permitted to play in the Premier League and cup competitions. However, there might yet be a slight wait to play in Europe.
Learn more
