What Arsenal really ‘think of’ Hale End wonderkid Max Dowman revealed, as ‘mad’ attribute is named

Arsenal may well have a future superstar on their hands in Max Dowman.

The Hale End academy teenager has spent some time training with Mikel Arteta’s first team squad at Arsenal recently.

The 14-year-old midfielder has impressed sufficiently in the youth set-up to earn a call up to senior training, as Arteta is clearly keen to take a closer look at him.

The Spanish coach has good reason to be excited about Max Dowman, who plays with a physicality and maturity far beyond his years.

Dowman was recently likened to Kaka, which gives some indication as to how highly rated he is. The youngster is composed on the ball, aggressive off it, and can make his presence felt all over the pitch.

How Max Dowman is viewed at Arsenal

Journalist Charles Watts has now provided an insight into how Dowman is thought of within the club.

Speaking on his Inside Arsenal YouTube channel, the reporter said: “He’s a 14-year-old kid, he’s very, very young. Hugely talented. There is so much excitement about him at Arsenal, of course… The physicality of him as such a young kid, as a 14-year-old kid, is just mad.

“He just looks really physically capable of dealing with football at a much higher level, but he’s still very, very young.

“It’s good that he’s been given some training sessions with the first team, and that says a lot about what Arsenal think of him, and that he’s ready to cope with that physically, but he’s still very, very young. He’s not going to be pushing for a first team spot any time soon.”

How Arsenal must look after Dowman

It is perfectly acceptable for Arsenal fans, and figures within the club, to grow excited about Dowman and his potential for the future. However, the Gunners also have a duty of care towards him.

At this age, he needs to be sheltered and protected, as much as he needs to be coached and developed. There is pressure on Jack Wilshere to support this process. As the Arsenal under-18s manager, the former midfielder will have a hand in Dowman’s development and in guiding him towards the first team.

It is vital that he is not exposed to too much pressure and scrutiny too soon. Whilst Watts has pointed out that Dowman boasts a physicality beyond his years, he is still a child, and must still be shielded from the full glare of the limelight for now.