Max Dowman has broken an Arsenal record by becoming the youngest player to start a match for the club, after being named in Mikel Arteta’s side to face Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
At 15 years and 302 days the attacking midfielder also becomes the youngest to start in any competition for a Premier League side.
When Dowman made his professional debut from the bench against Leeds in September at 15 years 235 days he became the second-youngest player in Premier League history – after fellow Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri, who was 15 years 181 day when he made his bow.
But Dowman now has a Gunners record, having broken that set by goalkeeper Jack Porter in last year’s Carabao Cup. Porter was 16 years and 72 days when he played in the 5-1 win over Bolton – which also saw Nwaneri’s first senior goals – so his England Under 19 team-mate Dowman has beaten him by 135 days.
Max Dowman in action against Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night
Dowman warming up at the Emirates with Gunners team-mate Eberechi Eze
On Tuesday, Arsenal boss Arteta said he had to be careful how to use Dowman, who has been training with the first team since last year, but admitted his talent means he has to get him involved in games whenever he can.
‘We really have to manage his load, he’s 15 years old, he’s still growing, it’s a lot of things that we have to make sure that are under control to make sure that he develops in the way that he can do,’ said Arteta.
‘If we look at his passport every day, we never play him, it’s as simple as that. But when you look at what he does in training, you have to play him, and if not, you are blind, so it’s finding that balance again, and understanding, especially the load, the things that are changing in his life, and make sure when we throw him in there, he’s in the right context with the right players, and he can cope with that.
‘So far, I think he’s done it, and he’s done it really well.’
Dowman has agreed to sign scholarship terms with Arsenal at the end of this season but cannot sign a professional deal until December 31 2026, the day he turns 17.
That means he could end up leaving the club at that stage, but Arteta last week said he was confident his star would stay
‘I don’t think about those things because everything that I hear from the player and the family has been very positive,’ he said.
‘The feeling that I have is that, genuinely, he loves it here. He is a huge Arsenal supporter and his family are really happy with the way things are developing around him as well. Hopefully for many years he will be with us.’
