Mikel Arteta on Max Dowman’s Development
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has acknowledged that Max Dowman could benefit from observing Bukayo Saka as he navigates the challenges of being a young player targeted by opposing teams. Arteta noted that even within his own squad, there was a tendency to play aggressively against the 15-year-old during practice sessions. Dowman has already made appearances in two Premier League matches this season and is on the verge of setting a record as the youngest player to start for Arsenal if he plays against Port Vale in the upcoming Carabao Cup match.
Challenges Faced by Dowman
Rough treatment has been a recurring theme in Dowman’s early performances, whether in youth competitions or with the first team. Arteta underscored the necessity for Dowman to refine his game, particularly in recognizing when to release the ball and adapting his positioning to attract defenders strategically—skills that Saka has developed over time. Arteta remarked on a specific match between England’s Under-19s and their Spanish counterparts, where Dowman faced nine fouls in just the first half.
“He will need to develop that awareness, similar to how Bukayo did at the start of his career,” Arteta explained. “Both he and Bukayo will draw attention and physical challenges from opponents, so they must be clever about when to embrace contact and when to avoid it. Dowman shows a high football IQ, making astute choices and demonstrating agile movement during games.”
Support for Dowman’s Growth
Despite the physical challenges Dowman faces, Arteta remains supportive of giving him a starting opportunity at Port Vale, especially after Dowman recently scored for the reserves. “He has a remarkable ability to rise to the occasion, which is quite rare in young players. I often marvel at how composed he remains under pressure,” Arteta noted.
Reflecting on Dowman’s initial interactions with the first team when he was just 14, Arteta humorously recalled, “Initially, the immediate reaction from other players was to kick him! But to his credit, Max handled it excellently and kept pushing forward.”
Camaraderie and Future Potential
Arteta appreciates the camaraderie growing around Dowman, stating, “When he first arrived, there were moments when players reacted negatively, but now everyone values him. He is a pleasant young man, liked by staff and players alike. It is our duty to nurture his remarkable talent and ensure he has the best opportunities to develop.”
Arteta emphasized the importance of balancing Dowman’s playing time—with a mix of youth games and first-team exposure—so that he remains integrated while preparing for the demands of top-tier football. “The aim is to find the right mix of competitive minutes that keeps Max ready and connected to the first team because he certainly has the potential to contribute significantly,” he concluded.
