Mikel Arteta reveals the truth behind ‘special’ Arsenal youngster | OneFootball

Arteta reveals secret behind Arsenal youngster Max Dowman’s rise

Arteta praises Dowman’s composure and maturity

Mikel Arteta has described Max Dowman as a “special” player after the 15-year-old became Arsenal’s youngest-ever senior starter in the 2-0 victory over Brighton. The teenager, who had previously made three substitute appearances, delivered a confident display that reflected both his talent and maturity beyond his years.

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“For him, everything is natural. For him, everything is okay,” said Arteta. “It’s the way he plays. I think that’s the secret, that he doesn’t make a big fuss of it.”

Dowman impressed throughout the Carabao Cup tie, showing skill and composure before being substituted to a standing ovation at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta’s decision to hand the Hale End graduate a starting role has been widely praised, underlining the manager’s trust in Arsenal’s youth development model.

Hale End shines on a proud night for Arsenal

It was an evening that showcased the depth of Arsenal’s academy. Alongside Dowman, 17-year-old forward Andre Harriman-Annous made his senior debut, while goals from Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka secured Arsenal’s progression to the quarter-finals.

Arteta reflected with pride on the achievement, saying, “A very special evening. I am very happy, for various reasons.” His approach continues to blend elite youth talent with experienced professionals, aligning with the club’s long-term project to create sustainability from within.

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Balancing excitement with protection

While Arteta acknowledged Dowman’s rapid progress, he was quick to stress the importance of careful management. “There are a lot of things that are new in his life,” he said. “Make sure that he does the right steps, that he behaves and accepts, because this is going to go this one, then he is going to play in a different team.”

Arteta added that Arsenal’s staff must guide Dowman through this critical stage. “He needs to cope with all that, because it is happening very, very fast and we all need to be aware of that. Let’s encourage him to keep going that way, but let’s protect him as well.”

Dowman’s breakthrough has come at a time when Arsenal continue to prioritise the integration of academy players into the senior squad, reinforcing the values that have long defined Hale End’s success.