Preseason breakout puts Arsenal teenager in the spotlight

Typically deployed as a right-sided attacking midfielder, Dowman has drawn lofty comparisons to both Lionel Messi and Martin Odegaard. Observers have praised his low center of gravity, close control and quick feet, attributes that mark him as a rare natural talent in today’s game.

With Premier League rules preventing Arsenal from offering a professional contract until he turns 17, the club is managing his development carefully. 

Dowman has been handed squad number 56 and continues to train with the first team, but Arteta has stressed the importance of caution, highlighting the need to protect the youngster from overexposure ahead of his pending full league debut.

“He continues to impress, without a doubt,” Arteta siad, via Simon Collings of The Standard. “The impact he had in the game again today, the efficiency that he shows in every attacking action, it’s incredible. Again, he deserves to have chances, and if he continues like this, let’s see what happens.”

“With Max it’s been so fast. Even last year when he was training with us, he was doing this kind of thing in training and now he’s doing it in the game consistently.”

Interest is already building beyond north London, with reports suggesting Real Madrid are monitoring his progress. Still, Arsenal remains confident it can keep him grounded and committed.

Whether or not a Premier League debut is imminent, Dowman’s preseason form has made one thing clear: Arsenal may have unearthed its next homegrown star.