Latest news with #Dowman
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Plays like Kaka' – Watch Arsenal star Max Dowman, 15, score wondergoal for England in record-breaking appearance
Dowman has been praised by John Terry and Declan Rice TEENAGE KICKS 'Plays like Kaka' – Watch Arsenal star Max Dowman, 15, score wondergoal for England in record-breaking appearance Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARSENAL wonderkid Max Dowman has earned more rave reviews after a record-breaking performance. Dowman, 15, starred for England in a 4-2 win over the Czech Republic in the Under-17s Euros last night. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Max Dowman broke a Euros record for England Credit: Getty 4 The Arsenal wonderkid scored a fantastic solo goal to put the Three Lions ahead The attacking midfielder put in a man of the match display but it was not enough to stop the Three Lions crashing out in the group stages. Dowman was the star of the show, scoring a sublime solo opener. He received the ball out wide and then turned the full-back inside out with a quick piece of skill on the byline. After getting past him most expected a cut back - but the teenage sensation fooled everyone including the Czech keeper by whipping the ball into the back of the net. Aged 15 years, four months and 26 days - Dowman is now the youngest ever scorer in Under-17s Euros history. And his rampant first-half performance got even better as he produced a stunning assist for England's second goal. The young Gunner dictated the play deep in midfield, letting a pass roll across a Czech player and his body to create himself a yard of space. Dowman then fired an inch perfect through ball into the path of striker Alejandro Gomes Rodríguez, who calmly converted. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates Aside from the goals, the youngster was a constant threat as he glided his way through the Czech defence several times. A compilation of his performance has gone viral online, with fans saying: "Generational talent." Another added: "Plays like Kaka used to. I just see a young Kaka, body type and running style. Could be a very special player." A third said: "Max will be the best academy graduate the Arsenal's ever produced. Special talent." Dowman has already trained with the Gunners first-team and he is set to be involved in pre-season this summer. England legend John Terry is one of the many to have sung his praises after watching him dominate Chelsea's youth team, saying: "He is a top, top player. "He was taking the ball on the half turn, drifting away from players, looking back and a couple of our boys went and put it on him a little bit. It was good to see. But Dowman is a very, very good player." Declan Rice has said: "At 15, there is such a long way to go. You can be the best 15-year-old in the country, but it doesn't necessarily mean you are going to be at 18. "So, you need to be hungry, keep working and keep pushing. "I speak to Max a lot and he has got such a good family around him. He is unreal." 4 Max Dowman has caught the eye of Declan Rice Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Plays like Kaka' – Watch Arsenal star Max Dowman, 15, score wondergoal for England in record-breaking appearance
ARSENAL wonderkid Max Dowman has earned more rave reviews after a record-breaking performance. Advertisement 4 Max Dowman broke a Euros record for England Credit: Getty 4 The Arsenal wonderkid scored a fantastic solo goal to put the Three Lions ahead The attacking midfielder put in a man of the match display but it was not enough to stop the Three Lions crashing out in the group stages. Dowman was the He received the ball out wide and then turned the full-back inside out with a quick piece of skill on the byline. After getting past him most expected a cut back - but the teenage sensation fooled everyone including the Czech keeper by whipping the ball into the back of the net. Advertisement READ MORE ON ARSENAL Aged 15 years, four months and 26 days - Dowman is now the youngest ever scorer in Under-17s Euros history. And his rampant first-half performance got even better as he produced a stunning assist for The young Gunner dictated the play deep in midfield, letting a pass roll across a Czech player and his body to create himself a yard of space. Dowman then fired an inch perfect through ball into the path of striker Alejandro Gomes Rodríguez, who calmly converted. Advertisement Most read in Football Latest Exclusive Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates Aside from the goals, the youngster was a constant threat as he glided his way through the Czech defence several times. A compilation of his performance has gone viral online, with fans saying: "Generational talent." Another added: "Plays like Kaka used to. I just see a young Kaka, body type and running style. Could be a very special player." Advertisement A third said: "Max will be the best academy graduate the Dowman has already trained with the Gunners first-team and he is set to be involved in pre-season this summer. England legend John Terry is one of the many to have sung his praises after watching him dominate "He was taking the ball on the half turn, drifting away from players, looking back and a couple of our boys went and put it on him a little bit. It was good to see. But Dowman is a very, very good player." Advertisement "So, you need to be hungry, keep working and keep pushing. "I speak to Max a lot and he has got such a good family around him. He is unreal." 4 Max Dowman has caught the eye of Declan Rice Credit: Getty Advertisement 4 He has been compared to icon Kaka Credit: Getty
Metro
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Arsenal sensation Max Dowman sets England record with incredible solo goal
Arsenal starlet Max Dowman enhanced his burgeoning reputation with a record breaking performance for England's Under-17 side. Neil Ryan's side exited the European Championships despite a 4-2 win over Czechia after a late consolation goal resulted in England slipping back to third place into third place in Group B behind Belgium and Italy. Despite the devastating blow, Dowman stole the headlines with another scintillating display, with his fifth minute goal the highlight. Receiving possession close to the corner flag there appeared to be little danger but he completely fooled his marker by chopping back onto his left foot, before opening his body up and beating the keeper at his near post. At 15 year, four months and 26 days, Dowman became the youngest ever scorer at the European Under-17 Championships, but there was more to come. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Dropping deep to receive possession in the 15th minute, Dowman was able to show the full range of his skills by playing a stunning low pass inside Czechia's right-back and presented Alejandro Rodriguez with a clear run on goal and the Lyon forward made no mistake. Arsenal fans have become fully versed with Dowman's potential over the course of the last nine months following his exploits for the club's youth teams. The teenager has trained regularly with the first team and was part of the squad which flew to Dubai for a warm weather training camp in January. Mikel Arteta hinted he was willing to give the prodigious youngster a full debut amid an almost unprecedented injury crisis but was only prevented from doing so as a consequence of Premier League regulations. The secret is already well and truly out, Max Dowman is destined to become a first team regular before too long and a string of former players and current stars are aware of his talent… Ashley Cole: 'You heap this pressure on these players and I don't think it's fair,' he added. 'I bet every Arsenal fan is going, 'Why is he [Dowman] not being more involved in the first-team? Why is he not getting a chance?', but hold up. 'He's doing exams as well, by the way! Similar to Myles [Lewis-Skelly] but let's relax a little bit and let time take its toll and hopefully they will get their opportunity and then everyone will know their name.' John Terry: 'We were playing against Arsenal recently and Max Dowman was playing. Have you seen him play? He is a top, top player. 'He was taking the ball on the half turn, drifting away from players, looking back and a couple of our boys went and put it on him a little bit. It was good to see. But Dowman is a very, very good player.' Declan Rice: 'I have had so many texts about Max recently. 'At 15, there is such a long way to go. You can be the best 15-year-old in the country, but it doesn't necessarily mean you are going to be at 18. 'So, you need to be hungry, keep working and keep pushing. 'I speak to Max a lot and he has got such a good family around him. 'He is unreal.' Still, it appears it won't be long before Dowman is given an opportunity to become the competition's youngster player, a record currently held by his teammate Ethan Nwaneri who has made a stellar breakthrough over the course of the last 12 months. More Trending 'I think Max, probably, will be in and around the pre-season,' said Arteta, speaking after Sunday's win over Southampton when asked about his plans for the latest gem to come off the Hale End Academy production line. 'Obviously he's got a very busy schedule as well in the summer, because he is in a tournament at the moment and he's going to need some rest. 'And we will pick another few from the academy as well to be in and around the team and hopefully get a nice, beautiful surprise again.' MORE: Alan Shearer makes Alexander Isak prediction amid Arsenal and Liverpool interest MORE: Ruben Amorim told to 'get rid' of £43m Manchester United star MORE: No trophies but Arsenal have the 'two best young players in Europe'
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal inform Max Dowman he'll be part of Mikel Arteta's first team next season
Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman has been told he will be part of the first team squad next season. And the 15-year-old is also set to join Arsenal's pre-season tour in Asia this summer which is another clear sign of his huge potential. Dowman does not turn 16 until December and was not eligible to play for the first team this season even though he is already being lauded as one of the club's best ever prospects. But Dowman has been catching the eye because he has already trained with the first team, went on a mid-season break to Dubai and got plaudits with his performances in Arsenal's FA Youth Cup campaign this season. Gunners midfielder Dowman, who is a creative midfielder, is also due to represent England in the under-17s European Championships this summer. Dowman is regarded as a future England star and is already being seen as having the skill set to push for a first team place and even compete with club captain Martin Odegaard in the long term. Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri is currently the youngest Premier League debutant, making his senior bow aged 15 and 181 days when he came on as a substitute at Brentford in September 2022. Current Premier League rules state that players in a matchday squad cannot be drawn from an age group lower than the U16s, with Dowman having been registered with the U15s at the start of the season. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta even called Dowman a 'big, big talent' when talking about his prospects earlier this month. 'He trains with us a lot,' said Arteta. 'I think he is in the right pathway and everybody in the academy has done an incredible job to consistently protect him, inspire him, challenge him, keep him always up and the levels that he could produce, and he is doing well. He is doing the right steps and taking it slowly. He will dictate how fast we go.' Arteta's public message has now been echoed and Dowman has been told he will be in the first team squad next season and also be on the tour. Dowman is Arsenal's latest wonderkid to follow in the footsteps of Nwaneri and also Myles Lewis-Skelly who has enjoyed a remarkable breakout season. Arsenal's young players have been a huge boost this season and Arteta is also planning a big summer but that will see the likes of Jorginho - who is joining Brazilian club Flamengo - and Kieran Tierney go. Loan players Neto and Raheem Sterling are going back to their parent clubs while Thomas Partey is sweating on his future but wants to stay. Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to leave with interest from Borussia Dortmund. Arsenal want a centre forward with Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Sesko high on their wish list while they also want a left winger, Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia and Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi is set to join for £51m.
New York Times
15-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Max Dowman's goals: Breaking down the latest additions to the 15-year-old's showreel
Week after week, a new highlights package sweeps the Arsenal social media bubble and the Max Dowman showreel gains another few moments that make you question whether this is all too easy for him. That it looks this way for a 15-year-old playing his first season at under-18 level is exactly why Mikel Arteta is already considering him when it comes to midfield squad planning. Advertisement The latest highlights came against Aston Villa, one of the stronger academies in the country, as he scored two superb solo goals which are fast becoming his trademark. He has 19 goals and five assists this season at the level above his own age group, and is already the captain. Declan Rice said his performances in first-team training have been 'unreal' but with the caveat that not all teenage proteges automatically become superstars in senior football. 'You can be the best in the country at 15, but it doesn't necessarily mean at 18 you are going to be,' he said. Arsenal are wary of fast-tracking him too quickly given how dramatically life can change when young players are propelled into the limelight, but a talent like Dowman can only be paced so gradually when every time they go up a level they remain head and shoulders above the rest. He made his debut for the under-21 side in December when he was still 14, becoming the youngest player to play at that level for Arsenal. But he has not been able to feature again at that level as the club were informed that the Premier League age restrictions rules, which stipulate players from a lower age group than under-16 are ineligible, also apply in Premier League 2. The wider footballing community had a chance to see his potential when Arsenal faced Manchester United at the Emirates in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final. Even though he was guilty of ball hogging at times, the way he repeatedly glided past streams of players was like seeing a man against boys. The Athletic watched his goal contributions to better understand the finishing and skill that make him exceptional. Dowman may as well have been given his own ball in the FA Youth Cup defeat by Manchester United in February. Seldom does a player dominate a match in the way he did and still lose, but the dribble from his own half in the lead up to him winning the penalty, which he converted to put Arsenal 2-1 up, saw him toy with the opposition defender. It captured some of the key traits that we see repeated in most of his goals this season: scanning before he receives, taking the ball on the spin, using his arm to ward off the opponent, slowing down the opponent to then speed past them and driving inside onto his left foot. His two goals last week against Villa were similar in the way that he cut onto his left foot and reversed the shot into the near corner rather than curling it to the far post. The first one saw him press to win the ball back high, but the refreshing thing about Dowman is how positive and direct he is. He is not interested in simply securing safe possession, he wants to go forward quickly. Advertisement Here, he slows as he approaches the defender at the edge of the box, dangling his left foot in the air to give him the option of chopping the ball in either direction. Even though the defender is clearly expecting him to go onto his stronger left foot, Dowman possesses a 'step' as effective as a winger in rugby union evading pressure. The second goal was even more impressive because of the proximity of so many players. The first touch is important again. Most players would have received the ball the way they were facing, yet Dowman decides to manipulate his body so he spins inside and is carrying his momentum that way to hold off the defender coming from his right. The gap is very tight but he rolls his studs over it one way to suck in two defenders then jinks the other way to squeeze through the gap. Many would then rush the shot with such an obscured route to goal but he does what Jermain Defoe always speaks about and takes one small touch to encourage the defender to outstretch a leg so he can reverse it through the gap. Against Reading, below, his composure when being pressed was clear to see again. Teams are clearly trying to be aggressive in pressing him but he actively seeks that — it's when he is at his most dangerous. He starts off pinned to the touchline in his own half, receiving on the back foot, baiting the tackle, which he was then able to skip past with his other foot. Dowman is one of those rare players who appears quicker with the ball than without it and his core strength means he is able to continue running at pace while holding off players coming up on either side. A poor pass gifted Dowman the ball for his second, but he still had two defenders to beat. Again, it was the rapid shift onto his left foot from a standing start that opened up the space for the shot. The execution when closing his foot on the ball at the last moment to disguise the direction of his attempt is a type of shot he has managed to achieve great consistency with. In the north London derby, Dowman picked up a loose ball in the centre of the pitch and glided forward until he reached the penalty area. Once there, we see the same action that defenders are struggling to stop. As he moves up the levels and his opponents become more athletic and teams position more players inside to block the middle, he may need to diversify how he creates separation, but so far his favourite trick is proving adequate enough. Dowman scored another two solo goals against Leicester but the second one was the most eye-catching. It is the way he is able to use his arm to push off opponents and propel himself forward that stands out. Then, as he drives forward and is confronted with defenders, he is able to dribble using the outside of his boot to take more touches and keep the ball close to him. It allows him to react to the defender's attempted tackle and skip in either direction. The performances of Lamine Yamal, who has played over 100 times for Barcelona at the age of just 17, show that age is just a number in some rare cases. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, both 18, have made the step into the first team this season. Dowman is still three years younger than them. 'I think he is in the right pathway and everybody in the academy has done an incredible job to consistently protect him, inspire him, challenge him, keep him always up and the levels that he could produce and he is doing well,' said Arteta earlier this month. 'He is doing the right steps and taking it slowly. He will dictate how fast we go. You need to understand his age and the way you talk and communicate with him but if you look from afar and you don't know he is 15 and you see certain things that he does, you have to judge him on that, and you wouldn't think he was different to any other player.' It could be that Dowman is integrated in the way Nwaneri was over a period of two or three years, but he looks capable of gaining some introductory minutes as the right eight or the right winger, two positions that do not have much depth currently at Arsenal. Arteta said he will discuss with the club whether Dowman is part of the first-team squad for July's pre-season tour to Hong Kong. If he is, it will be his first audition as an eligible first-team candidate.
