Mikel Arteta Sends Message to Arsenal Wonderkid After Impressive Display vs AC Milan

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised teenage talent Max Dowman after another promising display during the Gunners’ pre-season tour of Asia — but warned that the 15-year-old must continue improving his physical fitness to make a full breakthrough into the first team.

Dowman, who is still only 15 years old, made his latest appearance for Arsenal in their 1-0 victory over AC Milan in Singapore. The young midfielder was brought on as a second-half substitute and didn’t waste the opportunity to show why he’s regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in the Arsenal academy.

After the match, which saw Bukayo Saka score the only goal, both sides took part in a friendly penalty shootout. Though Arsenal lost the shootout 6-5, Dowman impressed again by confidently stepping up and slotting his penalty past Milan goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani — sending him the wrong way with a calm finish.

Arteta was full of praise for the teenager but made it clear that Dowman still has a lot of hard work ahead if he wants to become a regular in the senior squad.

“I’m very happy with all the kids,” Arteta told reporters after the match.
“At 15 years old, to perform at that level is incredible. But it’s also about the environment and culture within the team. That helps them feel comfortable and confident.”

Dowman has been training more regularly with the senior squad over the last year and was even part of the team’s warm-weather training camp in February. His inclusion in the pre-season tour squad shows just how highly rated he is by Arteta and his coaching team.

Still, Arteta was keen to stress that talent alone isn’t enough — physical readiness is just as important.

“To be able to perform and impact the game at that level demands really, really high physical standards,” the Spaniard explained.
“They are getting there. I give them a good platform and then they will have to earn it.”

Dowman’s performances have already turned heads. A regular for England’s Under-17s, he’s been tipped for big things in the future. But with Arsenal chasing trophies and high-level performances week in and week out, the demands of first-team football are intense — especially in the Premier League.

Arteta stopped short of confirming whether Dowman will see more first-team minutes this season but hinted that the pathway is open if he continues to improve.

“With all the young kids, they’re in and around the team constantly. They’re getting used to the demands and raising their physical levels,” he said.

The game against Milan also showcased the strength of Arsenal’s academy, with four academy graduates finishing the match on the pitch and six featuring overall. Arteta made it clear that he sees these opportunities as rewards for their hard work at youth level.

Elsewhere, Bukayo Saka continued his preparations for the new campaign with a sharp goal early in the second half, and Arteta was pleased with what he saw from the England star.

“Bukayo is one of them,” Arteta added. “We’ve pushed him through the summer to catch up on a few things and give him the best chance to show his qualities.”

There were also fitness updates from the Arsenal boss. Defender Jurrien Timber is still not back in full training after injury, and Gabriel Magalhaes sat out the match as a precaution following a minor niggle.

Arsenal will now continue their preparations ahead of the new Premier League season, with fans keeping a close eye on Dowman’s progress — hoping they might soon witness another star rise from the academy ranks.