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The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Special' Max Dowman, 15, adds to Mikel Arteta's Arsenal dilemma as he shines in same position as Saka and Nwaneri
THE future is bright at Arsenal – but Max Dowman has shown glimpses of why he could make his mark in the here and now. Mikel Arteta has had his eye on 15-year-old Dowman for the past 12 months and regularly introduced him to first-team training sessions. Advertisement 7 It would be a surprise if Max Dowman is not named in a matchday squad next season Credit: Getty 7 Dowman is following in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri at Arsenal Credit: Getty 7 Mikel Arteta has history of guiding young players into top superstars Credit: Getty Had it not been for regulation barriers in both the Prem and Uefa, the Hale End schoolboy would have made his competitive senior debut by now under Arteta. That's how highly rated he is by everyone at London Colney, leaving most first-team players stunned by his progression, ability and unflappable nature. Even Arteta has been shocked by how quickly Dowman has become one of, if not the, most talented teenagers in the country, and it will now be a surprise if he is not named in most of Arsenal's matchday squads next season across all four competitions they are involved in. After travelling with the squad on their mid-season warm-weather Dubai camp back in February, the plan was always for Dowman and a select few others from the academy to fly to Singapore and Hong Kong. Advertisement READ MORE ARSENAL No one on the outside looking in could have guessed how much game time he would get in their opening two games in Singapore against A total of 55 minutes off the bench is not bad going, especially for someone who still needs to be managed, both physically with his slight and yet-to-develop muscular frame against elite man mountains, and mentally as he comes to terms with the pressure being on him as the golden boy of Arsenal's latest academy grads. Arteta has a history in guiding young talents and transforming them into first-team players faster than most would predict, just look at Ethan Nwaneri and The pair were footballing nobodies at the start of last season – mere hopefuls – who looked their age, perhaps younger. Advertisement Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Now, they have bulked up, matured on and off the pitch and look like Prem regulars, and in Lewis-Skelly's case, potentially England's first-choice left-back at next summer's World Cup. Arteta has known when to push them and when to give them some time away from the spotlight, a crucial period of development for any teenager adjusting to Prem football. Arsenal CONFIRM £63.5million Viktor Gyokeres transfer as striker takes iconic No14 made famous by Thierry Henry Nwaneri had just that after making his Prem debut aged 15 at Advertisement Once Dowman makes his first Prem appearances, the clamour for him to push on at lightning speed will be huge. We have already seen what that could look and sound like on this tour. In Singapore, his name has been chanted at every game and he was hounded for autographs at the open training at the Singapore National Stadium. Arteta will have to be the party pooper more often than not in the early months of the season, but should he perform like he has done against Milan and Newcastle, the handbrake may have to come off sooner than expected. His touch, turn and dribble past several Newcastle players and into the box to earn a match-winning penalty in the final ten minutes last weekend shows what he can do against experienced players nearly twice his age. Advertisement Arteta has used Dowman off the right so far, a position the youngster has played a lot in for the youth teams for club and country, cutting in and shooting – often scoring – with his left foot. There will be a method to Arteta's thinking – being on the wing gives Dowman some breathing space during games as he continues his adaptation. 7 Max Dowman is the latest kid turning heads in the Arsenal squad Credit: Getty 7 He's so good most of the senior players are acting as big brothers to him Credit: Getty Advertisement He may eventually move into a more central position over the next few years, but Arteta likes his young players trying out different roles to aid their learning and to give him more options when picking squads. Nwaneri played in a midfield three last season, but also on the right in Bukayo Saka's three-month injury absence, and Arteta has spoken previously of the 18-year-old potentially becoming a No9 later down the line. Dowman could now start his first senior That's how quickly Dowman is progressing. Arteta called him 'special' after the Toon outing, and the Spanish coach does not chuck praise like that lightly. Advertisement Last term, Arteta would bring up Dowman's name unprompted in answers to questions about squad depth. 7 He's been described as the best 15-year-old in the country Credit: Getty 7 Arteta has been sure to carefully guide him into first team football Credit: Getty We must be careful not to hype up too soon someone who has not yet turned 16, but it is hard not to when he is getting better with every minute he plays around world class players while showing he has the guts to step up in penalty shoot-outs, albeit a friendly one against Milan last week. Advertisement Club captain Last March, Rice claimed he was the 'best 15-year-old in the country'. With a loan move unlikely next season, Dowman is set to be a regular face on the bench as Arteta plots the talented kid's path from a nobody to a special somebody.
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Special' Max Dowman, 15, adds to Mikel Arteta's Arsenal dilemma as he shines in same position as Saka and Nwaneri
THE future is bright at Arsenal – but Max Dowman has shown glimpses of why he could make his mark in the here and now. Mikel Arteta has had his eye on 15-year-old Dowman for the past 12 months and regularly introduced him to first-team training sessions. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 It would be a surprise if Max Dowman is not named in a matchday squad next season Credit: Getty 7 Dowman is following in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri at Arsenal Credit: Getty 7 Mikel Arteta has history of guiding young players into top superstars Credit: Getty Had it not been for regulation barriers in both the Prem and Uefa, the Hale End schoolboy would have made his competitive senior debut by now under Arteta. That's how highly rated he is by everyone at London Colney, leaving most first-team players stunned by his progression, ability and unflappable nature. Even Arteta has been shocked by how quickly Dowman has become one of, if not the, most talented teenagers in the country, and it will now be a surprise if he is not named in most of Arsenal's matchday squads next season across all four competitions they are involved in. After travelling with the squad on their mid-season warm-weather Dubai camp back in February, the plan was always for Dowman and a select few others from the academy to fly to Singapore and Hong Kong. No one on the outside looking in could have guessed how much game time he would get in their opening two games in Singapore against AC Milan and Newcastle last week. A total of 55 minutes off the bench is not bad going, especially for someone who still needs to be managed, both physically with his slight and yet-to-develop muscular frame against elite man mountains, and mentally as he comes to terms with the pressure being on him as the golden boy of Arsenal's latest academy grads. Arteta has a history in guiding young talents and transforming them into first-team players faster than most would predict, just look at Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. The pair were footballing nobodies at the start of last season – mere hopefuls – who looked their age, perhaps younger. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Now, they have bulked up, matured on and off the pitch and look like Prem regulars, and in Lewis-Skelly's case, potentially England's first-choice left-back at next summer's World Cup. Arteta has known when to push them and when to give them some time away from the spotlight, a crucial period of development for any teenager adjusting to Prem football. Arsenal CONFIRM £63.5million Viktor Gyokeres transfer as striker takes iconic No14 made famous by Thierry Henry Nwaneri had just that after making his Prem debut aged 15 at Brentford in September 2022, waiting 17 months for his next one at West Ham in February 2024. Once Dowman makes his first Prem appearances, the clamour for him to push on at lightning speed will be huge. We have already seen what that could look and sound like on this tour. In Singapore, his name has been chanted at every game and he was hounded for autographs at the open training at the Singapore National Stadium. Arteta will have to be the party pooper more often than not in the early months of the season, but should he perform like he has done against Milan and Newcastle, the handbrake may have to come off sooner than expected. His touch, turn and dribble past several Newcastle players and into the box to earn a match-winning penalty in the final ten minutes last weekend shows what he can do against experienced players nearly twice his age. Arteta has used Dowman off the right so far, a position the youngster has played a lot in for the youth teams for club and country, cutting in and shooting – often scoring – with his left foot. There will be a method to Arteta's thinking – being on the wing gives Dowman some breathing space during games as he continues his adaptation. 7 Max Dowman is the latest kid turning heads in the Arsenal squad Credit: Getty 7 He's so good most of the senior players are acting as big brothers to him Credit: Getty He may eventually move into a more central position over the next few years, but Arteta likes his young players trying out different roles to aid their learning and to give him more options when picking squads. Nwaneri played in a midfield three last season, but also on the right in Bukayo Saka's three-month injury absence, and Arteta has spoken previously of the 18-year-old potentially becoming a No9 later down the line. Dowman could now start his first senior Arsenal game against Tottenham on Thursday in Hong Kong, and the crazy thing is that it does not sound that... crazy. That's how quickly Dowman is progressing. Arteta called him 'special' after the Toon outing, and the Spanish coach does not chuck praise like that lightly. Last term, Arteta would bring up Dowman's name unprompted in answers to questions about squad depth. 7 He's been described as the best 15-year-old in the country Credit: Getty 7 Arteta has been sure to carefully guide him into first team football Credit: Getty We must be careful not to hype up too soon someone who has not yet turned 16, but it is hard not to when he is getting better with every minute he plays around world class players while showing he has the guts to step up in penalty shoot-outs, albeit a friendly one against Milan last week. Club captain Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice have acted as brotherly figures for him, but even they are struggling not to board the Dowman hype train. Last March, Rice claimed he was the 'best 15-year-old in the country'. With a loan move unlikely next season, Dowman is set to be a regular face on the bench as Arteta plots the talented kid's path from a nobody to a special somebody.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
‘Special' Max Dowman, 15, adds to Mikel Arteta's Arsenal dilemma as he shines in same position as Saka and Nwaneri
THE future is bright at Arsenal – but Max Dowman has shown glimpses of why he could make his mark in the here and now. Mikel Arteta has had his eye on 15-year-old Dowman for the past 12 months and regularly introduced him to first-team training sessions. 7 7 7 Had it not been for regulation barriers in both the Prem and Uefa, the Hale End schoolboy would have made his competitive senior debut by now under Arteta. That's how highly rated he is by everyone at London Colney, leaving most first-team players stunned by his progression, ability and unflappable nature. Even Arteta has been shocked by how quickly Dowman has become one of, if not the, most talented teenagers in the country, and it will now be a surprise if he is not named in most of Arsenal's matchday squads next season across all four competitions they are involved in. After travelling with the squad on their mid-season warm-weather Dubai camp back in February, the plan was always for Dowman and a select few others from the academy to fly to Singapore and Hong Kong. No one on the outside looking in could have guessed how much game time he would get in their opening two games in Singapore against AC Milan and Newcastle last week. A total of 55 minutes off the bench is not bad going, especially for someone who still needs to be managed, both physically with his slight and yet-to-develop muscular frame against elite man mountains, and mentally as he comes to terms with the pressure being on him as the golden boy of Arsenal's latest academy grads. Arteta has a history in guiding young talents and transforming them into first-team players faster than most would predict, just look at Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. The pair were footballing nobodies at the start of last season – mere hopefuls – who looked their age, perhaps younger. Now, they have bulked up, matured on and off the pitch and look like Prem regulars, and in Lewis-Skelly's case, potentially England's first-choice left-back at next summer's World Cup. Arteta has known when to push them and when to give them some time away from the spotlight, a crucial period of development for any teenager adjusting to Prem football. Arsenal CONFIRM £63.5million Viktor Gyokeres transfer as striker takes iconic No14 made famous by Thierry Henry Nwaneri had just that after making his Prem debut aged 15 at Brentford in September 2022, waiting 17 months for his next one at West Ham in February 2024. Once Dowman makes his first Prem appearances, the clamour for him to push on at lightning speed will be huge. We have already seen what that could look and sound like on this tour. In Singapore, his name has been chanted at every game and he was hounded for autographs at the open training at the Singapore National Stadium. Arteta will have to be the party pooper more often than not in the early months of the season, but should he perform like he has done against Milan and Newcastle, the handbrake may have to come off sooner than expected. His touch, turn and dribble past several Newcastle players and into the box to earn a match-winning penalty in the final ten minutes last weekend shows what he can do against experienced players nearly twice his age. Arteta has used Dowman off the right so far, a position the youngster has played a lot in for the youth teams for club and country, cutting in and shooting – often scoring – with his left foot. There will be a method to Arteta's thinking – being on the wing gives Dowman some breathing space during games as he continues his adaptation. 7 7 He may eventually move into a more central position over the next few years, but Arteta likes his young players trying out different roles to aid their learning and to give him more options when picking squads. Nwaneri played in a midfield three last season, but also on the right in Bukayo Saka's three-month injury absence, and Arteta has spoken previously of the 18-year-old potentially becoming a No9 later down the line. Dowman could now start his first senior Arsenal game against Tottenham on Thursday in Hong Kong, and the crazy thing is that it does not sound that... crazy. That's how quickly Dowman is progressing. Arteta called him 'special' after the Toon outing, and the Spanish coach does not chuck praise like that lightly. Last term, Arteta would bring up Dowman's name unprompted in answers to questions about squad depth. 7 7 We must be careful not to hype up too soon someone who has not yet turned 16, but it is hard not to when he is getting better with every minute he plays around world class players while showing he has the guts to step up in penalty shoot-outs, albeit a friendly one against Milan last week. Club captain Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice have acted as brotherly figures for him, but even they are struggling not to board the Dowman hype train. Last March, Rice claimed he was the 'best 15-year-old in the country'. With a loan move unlikely next season, Dowman is set to be a regular face on the bench as Arteta plots the talented kid's path from a nobody to a special somebody.
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Football set to copy completely different sport's approach to VAR with managers to be given massive new responsibility
FOOTBALL looks set to introduce a cricket and tennis-style challenge system that will completely transform VAR. This new version of VAR allows managers to request reviews on key decisions such as goals, penalties, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. 3 Football Video Support (FVS) will see referees be asked to review decisions by managers Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is reportedly introducing an exciting new 'low cost' review system called Football Video Support (FVS) to Spain's third tier this season. Under FVS each team gets two reviews per game, and if a challenge is successful, they keep it for later use — if not, they lose that chance. Managers could order a review by twirling their finger in the air and giving the fourth official a review card showing the type of decision being challenged. The referee then consults a pitch-side monitor to reassess the incident, speeding up the process and reducing the costs and chaos associated with traditional VAR. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Several major football leagues now utilise semi-automated offside technology (SAOT), including the Premier League, Champions League, Serie A, and LaLiga. Meanwhile, Spain's top women's league, Liga F, could approve the FVS system as soon as this week, potentially becoming the first major league to fully adopt it. This would mark a significant step toward modernising officiating in women's football, with the Women's Super League currently operating without VAR. If FVS proves effective, LaLiga might consider implementing it too, which could see calls for it to be brought to the Prem. Most read in Football 3 The tennis challenge system is called Hawk-Eye, and it's used to review line calls during matches CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Fifa referees chief Pierluigi Collina revealed that the system had already made its debut during last year's Blue Stars/Fifa Youth Cup in Zurich. He told national associations during Fifa's annual congress in Bangkok that the outcome had been 'very, very positive'. Arsenal CONFIRM £63.5million Viktor Gyokeres transfer as striker takes iconic No14 made famous by Thierry Henry There have already been calls for a challenge system in the Premier League, amid the opposition to the VAR system that currently reviews every match-changing incident. One of the biggest fans of an Speaking on the "But I think you either scrap the rest of it or, more realistically, you take it to an appeal system. 3 Gary Lineker has called for a challenge-system for years "You limit the amount of times that VAR can interfere. It can not intervene unless someone appeals. "Maybe one appeal a half, but it stops VAR coming into every possible corner that comes in." Prem chiefs tried to sort some of the problems out last season, when they rolled out semi-automated offside technology for the final seven rounds of top flight games.
The Sun
17 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Football set to copy completely different sport's approach to VAR with managers to be given massive new responsibility
FOOTBALL looks set to introduce a cricket and tennis-style challenge system that will completely transform VAR. This new version of VAR allows managers to request reviews on key decisions such as goals, penalties, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. 3 The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is reportedly introducing an exciting new 'low cost' review system called Football Video Support (FVS) to Spain's third tier this season. Under FVS each team gets two reviews per game, and if a challenge is successful, they keep it for later use — if not, they lose that chance. Managers could order a review by twirling their finger in the air and giving the fourth official a review card showing the type of decision being challenged. The referee then consults a pitch-side monitor to reassess the incident, speeding up the process and reducing the costs and chaos associated with traditional VAR. Meanwhile, Spain's top women's league, Liga F, could approve the FVS system as soon as this week, potentially becoming the first major league to fully adopt it. This would mark a significant step toward modernising officiating in women's football, with the Women's Super League currently operating without VAR. If FVS proves effective, LaLiga might consider implementing it too, which could see calls for it to be brought to the Prem. 3 Fifa referees chief Pierluigi Collina revealed that the system had already made its debut during last year's Blue Stars/Fifa Youth Cup in Zurich. He told national associations during Fifa's annual congress in Bangkok that the outcome had been 'very, very positive'. Arsenal CONFIRM £63.5million Viktor Gyokeres transfer as striker takes iconic No14 made famous by Thierry Henry There have already been calls for a challenge system in the Premier League, amid the opposition to the VAR system that currently reviews every match-changing incident. One of the biggest fans of an 'appeal system' has been Gary Lineker. Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast last year, Lineker explained: "The only way out of this mess, and I think they should keep offside and goal-line technology. "But I think you either scrap the rest of it or, more realistically, you take it to an appeal system. 3 "You limit the amount of times that VAR can interfere. It can not intervene unless someone appeals. "Maybe one appeal a half, but it stops VAR coming into every possible corner that comes in." Prem chiefs tried to sort some of the problems out last season, when they rolled out semi-automated offside technology for the final seven rounds of top flight games.
