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Max Dowman, the 15-year-old midfielder, is part of Arsenal’s squad for a Premier League game for the first time.
Mikel Arteta has included the England youth international as part of his group for the home match against Leeds United on Saturday after a swift rise through the academy age group sides in north London.
Dowman made his senior debut during the club’s preseason in Singapore, coming off the bench against Milan in July. He later caught the eye against Premier League opposition in Newcastle United four days later, winning a penalty in another substitute appearance.
He travelled with the squad for last weekend’s opening game against Manchester United at Old Trafford but did not make the final 20. Saturday’s game marks the first time he has been included in a senior matchday squad for a competitive fixture.
It remains to be seen whether Dowman plays any part against Leeds with his development being carefully managed by the club and coaching staff, but after consistently impressing in training with the first-team through last season and in recent months he will make his latest step up on Saturday.
Premier League rules allow a 15-year-old to play so long as they are 15 by August 31 of the campaign in question. Dowman therefore wasn’t eligible to feature last season.
Should he go on to make his debut this term he still won’t be the competition’s youngest player with team-mate Ethan Nwaneri holding that honour having made his first appearance aged 15 years, five months and 28 days in a match against Brentford in September 2022.
Last September, Dowman — who turned 15 in December — became the youngest player ever to score in a UEFA Youth League game when he scored in a 4-1 defeat to Atalanta.
The midfielder made his debut for Arsenal’s under-18 team in September 2023, aged 13, and played a number of league matches at that level in 2024-25 alongside several appearances in the UEFA Youth League.
Asked during pre-season what the plan for the teenager would be this term, Arteta said: “We don’t know with all the young kids. At the end they are in and around the team constantly and they getting used to the dynamics and the demands.
“And especially raising the physical levels because the demands they need to perform and impact at the level is really high physical standards. They are getting there and that gives them a good platform and they will have to earn it.”
Is Dowman’s inclusion a surprise?
By The Athletic’s Arsenal Writer Art de Roche
Despite his age, Dowman’s involvement in a Premier League matchday is not a total shock.
Mikel Arteta had been vocal about the 15-year-old in press conferences before last season had even finished.
The England Under-17 international was expected to feature in pre-season, and his ability to replicate his exploits from youth football against Premier League players was outstanding.
He was not just impressing in flashes, but actually impacting games by winning penalties against Newcastle United and Villarreal. Care will be needed around his development, but today shows the trust manager Mikel Arteta has in his ability.
(David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
