The pressure on footballers in the modern-day has never been greater. From a young age, they are expected to shine on the world's biggest stage to win the hardest competitions. Naturally, they are always told "they will be given time" to develop themselves — and that is true on some occasions, but the sport can also be utterly ruthless.
Bad stories always outweigh the positive ones, which never makes the task of becoming a professional footballer easy. One youngster who will be dreaming of playing in the Premier League one day is Arsenal's Max Dowman. Remarkably, he is just 14 years old, yet he has already played for the U18 team at London Colney.
He doesn't seem out of place against players four years older than him, though, so there are high hopes that he can eventually walk onto the famous Emirates Stadium pitch as a senior player. With Dowman adding to a long list of exciting English talent in the nation, we have outlined everything you need to know about him. Despite his age, you can't rule out a professional debut in a couple of years.
Bobby Clark in front of the Liverpool crest.
Related
Player Profile on Liverpool Starlet Bobby Clark
Max Dowman's Career at Arsenal
Dowman made his debut for Arsenal's U18 in September 2023 at the age of 13. Whatever happens in his career, progressing through the academy that quickly is an achievement in itself — and something most could only dream of. Throughout the 2023/24 season, he played seven times for the club, scoring two goals and registering five assists.
His spell has come under Jack Wilshere as manager, formerly one of Arsenal's best midfielders of all time. The now-U18 coach struggled seriously with injury which prevented him from shining on the biggest stage for a prolonged period of time, but now he is helping nurture the next era. He has been in charge of the Gunners' U18 side since July 2022, helping them reach the FA Youth Cup Final in 2023.
His presence, alongside his tactical nuance, has only helped the academy and Dowman in particular. At the end of the 2023/24 season, Arsenal's U18s beat Fulham 5-2 in a London derby. It was an impressive performance from everyone involved, but Dowman in particular, who provided four assists. It helped the Gunners secure third place in the Premier League South U18 table, two points ahead of bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Dowman's U18 Premier League Record
Games
7
Goals
2
Assists
5
Yellow Cards
1
Naturally, Dowman's performances for Arsenal were always going to be noticed by the national set-up. Therefore, in February 2024, the youngster was called up to represent England U16s at the Football Federations Cup. In the opening match of the tournament, he registered an assist in just 60 minutes during the team's 3-1 win against Saudi Arabia.
Two days later, he was unsurprisingly rested, but still played 20 minutes during a 4-0 win against Sweden. Finally, to seal the trophy, Dowman shone against South Korea as part of a 3-0 victory. His ability to glide past opponents and match people two years older than him was remarkable, epitomising his meteoric rise through the ranks.
Dowman's U16 England Record
Games
5
Goals
0
Assists
1
Custom image of Arsenal legends Patrick Vieira, Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry
Related
22 Greatest Arsenal Players Ever (Ranked)
Max Dowman's Height and Age
Dowman was born on the 31st December 2009, meaning he is remarkably just 14 years old. At that age, most children are trying to enjoy school as much as possible — and GCSEs have not even been considered yet. Yet Dowman is no ordinary youngster. As all academies state, he will still be learning basic education to help him if he does not become a professional footballer, but it's likely he will be focused fully on accomplishing his dream.
Meanwhile, his height is not currently officially in the public domain. However, to be able to go head-to-head against people four years older than him, reveals that he has the fight and hunger to be able to compete. Otherwise, he would get pushed around and unable to work his magic, as so many people
0 Comments