Max Dowman's behaviour jumps out as Arsenal wonderkid's character comes to light
Arsenal starlet Max Dowman's character stood out from his team-mates even during his early days at the club's academy. Dowman has been a breakout star during the Gunners' pre-season tour, despite being just 15 years old.
The attacking midfielder is the only one of the several unproven youngsters in manager Mikel Arteta's pre-season squad to have featured in all three of the side's friendlies. Dowman made his first team debut in a win over AC Milan before impressing against Newcastle United and earning the winning penalty.
He replaced Bukayo Saka in Arsenal's recent defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, apt considering Dowman's behaviour has drawn comparisons to the Hale End graduate. Former Arsenal academy coach Temisan Williams previously worked with Dowman and highlighted a moment that summed up his humble personality.
'When I left Arsenal, Max was one of the few players who personally said to me, 'Thank you for everything you've done for me, how you've helped me, what I've learned from you and I wish you all the best,'' Williams recalled to Sky Sports. 'I always remember this – and these behaviours are recognised by coaches in players.
'He was just a very measured young man, definitely mature beyond his years, even when you were talking with him one-on-one. Whenever you're talking to him, he'd look into your eyes and he'd really want to understand.
''What is it that you want me to know, what is it you want me to do, how are you going to help me, how is this going to help my development?''
Dowman has clearly heeded all advice from his coaches as he continues to excel above his age group, having been called up to train with Arteta's side in November. He scored 15 goals in as many league games for Arsenal's under-18s side last season, as well as becoming the youngest-ever goalscorer in the U19 UEFA Youth League, aged 14.
However, despite his eye for goal and talent for dribbling with the ball, Dowman's approach to his team-mates most impressed Williams, a quality that has likely helped him adapt during his step up into the first team.
'He was a brilliant team-mate,' Williams explained. 'I always look at when things are going wrong in development football – when things aren't coming off for players and they're maybe frustrated, losing, all that type of stuff.
'I'd look at Max's reaction, he would always be encouraging his team-mates. You'd never see him dig out a player in a very rash way or complain at players. I'm sure if you asked anyone who's trained and played with him through the academy, they'd probably echo the same sentiments.'
Arsenal boss Arteta showed willingness to integrate academy prospects into his title-chasing squad last season, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri becoming first-team regulars. Dowman is in the pre-season squad alongside 15-year-old Marli Salmon, 17-year-old striker Andre Harriman-Annous and other youngsters, becoming the latest academy stars on the verge of a breakthrough.
Discussing Dowman's display against Newcastle, Arteta said: 'It is special. What he's done today against this team in the time that he had on the pitch, it is something certainly not common to witness for a 15-year-old. We are extremely happy to have him.'
It remains to be seen whether Dowman will continue to link up with the senior side once the season gets underway, given his lack of experience at Premier League 2 level. However, his former coach Williams has little doubt about the levels Dowman could reach in the future.
' Champions League, World Cup, Premier League,' Williams concluded. 'He's got all the capabilities; he's got the mentality. Mikel Arteta wouldn't bring him into the fold at that age if he didn't.'
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