Max Dowman patiently waited for opportunities in Arsenal's first team and every time he appeared, this young talent left a clear mark.
Mikel Arteta has used Dowman very cautiously since last season, when he became the youngest scorer in Premier League history with a goal in the 2-0 victory over Everton. Since then, Dowman has made 6 more appearances, mainly from the bench. This season, he has also been registered 4 times but has not played.
Last weekend, Dowman played 60 minutes for Arsenal U21 in a 1-4 defeat to Chelsea, while the first team defeated Sunderland. After the match, Arteta emphasized that the 16-year-old player needs to continue to strive if he wants to have more time to play in the first team.
The opportunity quickly came to Dowman in the match against Ipswich at the Carabao Cup. While Viktor Gyokeres missed some opportunities, the young Arsenal talent had a remarkable performance with a double.
Dowman only needed 7 minutes to open the score. He stole the ball in midfield and dribbled the ball causing Cedric Kipre to fall, before defeating goalkeeper Christian Walton with his unsuitable right foot.
That is very natural for him. He can perform those balls easily. I think that is his greatest quality" - Arteta said.
The second goal continued to show Dowman's ability to handle tight spaces. After Martin Zubimendi's pass touched Jacob Greaves' hand, the ball found the 16-year-old player's feet in the penalty area. Dowman quickly adjusted the ball with two touches before finishing with his calm left foot.
2 goals will definitely increase expectations for Dowman, and at the same time put Arteta in front of the problem of how to use this young talent in the near future.
If he continues to perform like that on the field, it's not easy, I understand. But what we need to do is take care of him. He's only 16 years old. You don't usually see that in this tournament" - Arteta shared.
The Spanish captain emphasized that bringing a 16-year-old player to play regularly in the Premier League requires careful calculation. In addition to the physical requirements in each match, Dowman also has to meet the intensity of training, the amount of tactical information and continuous challenges throughout the week.
Dowman benefits from the stability of Arsenal under Arteta. Not having to go through constant changes on the coaching bench, this young player has the conditions to develop in a more stable environment.
Arteta understands that fans want to see Dowman play more, but he also emphasized that using a 16-year-old player regularly in the Premier League is not easy.
Everything can happen. However, the possibility of him playing regularly is not high, because not many players of this age can meet the fitness requirements of matches.
Not only that, he also has to meet physical requirements throughout the week, absorb a large amount of information and face many different challenges. But Dowman is doing it very well and always knows how to take advantage of every opportunity given" - Arteta concluded.
