Who is Max Dowman? 15-year-old teenager debuted for Arsenal in pre-season 2025

The teenager made his Gunners debut in pre-season.

Max Dowman, a product of Hale End’s academy, was dubbed “the best 15-year-old in the country” by Arsenal player Declan Rice in March of last year.

Although players like Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly have advanced through the youth team ranks and had a significant impact on the first team in recent years, the buzz surrounding teenager Dowman may overshadow all of those abilities. Mikel Arteta, the manager, feels the same way.

In March, he stated: “Let’s see how this evolves but we have certainly got a big, big talent there.” 

When Arsenal U18 played Manchester United U18 in their FA Youth Cup semi-final last February, Max Dowman, who had just turned 15, was the best player on the field. He was a continual threat in that game, picking up the ball in his own half, dribbling past defenders three years his senior, winning a penalty, and converting it.

Despite England’s disappointment and elimination from the group stage in this summer’s U17 Euros, Dowman was once again their most exciting player, scoring a fantastic goal against the Czechia U17S.

He is presently in Singapore on Arsenal’s pre-season tour. He made his first team unofficial debut against AC Milan. Even though it’s not until New Year’s Eve that he turns sixteen, will Max Dowman have a breakout season with the Gunners?

How good is Max Dowman?

His Arsenal U18 team statistics are staggering. In just 25 games, he has scored 20 goals and made 10 assists. These statistics are really astounding when we take into account that Max Dowman is A) not a striker and B) will remain 15 years old until late December.

In addition, he has already scored four goals in 14 appearances for England U17. As previously said, he is the youngest player on Arsenal’s preseason tour and is anticipated to have opportunities with the first team in the upcoming campaign. But what role may he play in Arteta’s schemes?

Max Dowman’s style of play

Dowman has mostly played as a right-winger or an attacking midfielder at the youth level. This summer, he played for the England U17S on the right flank and was a constant threat, cutting in on his preferred left foot. He is much at ease with both feet, though, and many believe that a no. 10 will be his long-term position.

What really makes Max Dowman stand out is his alertness, self-assurance, and running prowess. He possesses the rare natural ability to control his body and repeatedly stop and start to bully defenders.

It is a terrifying proposition when we combine this with his powerful ball-striking and finishing abilities. It may appear impossible for other defenders to stop him at times.

But now that he’s entering a pivotal stage of his development, Dowman’s remarkable early success does not guarantee that he will be able to replicate it against the Premier League’s top defenders at the senior level. At this point, though, it appears that the only things standing in his way of success are injuries or attitude.

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