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15-year-old midfielder Max Dowman is a member of Arsenal's first Premier League appearance.
Mikel Arteta was included in England Younter International in Saturday's match against Leeds United, after quickly rising to the academy age group in north London.
Dowman made his debut at the club in Singapore in preseason and faced Milan in July. Four days later, he then drew attention from the Premier League opposition against Newcastle United, winning a penalty in another alternative appearance.
He joined the team in the opening match against Manchester United last weekend at Old Trafford, but did not win the last 20 games. Saturday’s game marked his first time being included in the senior matchday roster to get a competitive match.
Whether Dowman plays any role in the careful management of his development by clubs and coaches remains to be seen, but after last season’s impressive training with the first team, he will come up with his latest step on Saturday in recent months.
Premier League regulations allow 15-year-olds to be between August 31 and 15 of related campaigns. Therefore, Dawman was not eligible for the competition last season.
If he continues to make his debut this semester, he still won’t be the youngest player in the game, while teammate Ethan Nwaneri believes he made his 15-year-old debut against Brentford in September 2022, five months and 28 days.
Last September, Dowman (15-year-old December) became the highest scorer in the European League Youth League (UEFA Youth League) game ever, when he scored 4-1 against Atalanta.
The midfielder made his debut in September 2023 with the Under-18 team at Arsenal, at the age of 13 and played many league matches at this level in 2024-25 and has encountered several matches in the European League Youth League (UEFA Youth League).
Asked during the preseason what the junior plan for this semester was, Arteta said: “We don't know all the young kids. Finally, they are constantly on the team and around them, and they are used to the dynamics and needs.
“Especially improving the physical level because they need to perform at the level and influence the need is really a high physical standard. They get there, which provides them a great platform for them to win it.”
Is Daoman's inclusion a surprise?
by athletics writer art writer art
Despite his age, Dowman's participation in Premier League matches was not totally shocked.
Mikel Arteta spoke at a press conference before the end of last season.
The England Under-17 international player is expected to play a role in the preseason and his ability to replicate his exploitation from youth football against Premier League players is excellent.
Not only did he impress in the flash, he actually influenced the game by winning free throws against Newcastle United and Villarreal. His development needs attention, but today shows that trust manager Mikel Arteta has his abilities.
(David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)