Following Max Dowman's historic debut against Leeds United, football writer Ben Bloom explores why the teenager is tipped as the next big talent to emerge from Arsenal's academy.
When Max Dowman came off the bench for the final 26 minutes of Arsenal’s 5-0 Premier League win against Leeds United on Saturday, it was fitting that Ethan Nwaneri was also on the pitch.
Aged 15 years and 235 days, Dowman became the second-youngest ever Premier League debutant behind only Nwaneri, who was 54 days younger when he featured against Brentford in 2022.
It was quite the first competitive outing for Dowman, who followed up some dazzling pre-season performances, when he won penalties against Newcastle United and Villarreal, by earning another spot-kick against Leeds.
The teenager was brought down by Anton Stach in injury time, which allowed Viktor Gyokeres to convert from the penalty spot. It was the first time a player under the age of 16 has ever been involved in a Premier League goal.
Watch Dowman in action on his Premier League debut
For those in the know at Arsenal, it has long been a question of when, not if, Dowman will step up to the senior team.
His exploits in the age-group ranks for club and country are significant. Equally adept as a No 10 or on the wing, he made his debut for Arsenal Under-18s aged just 13, and began featuring in first-team training the following year.
Last season, he managed 19 goals and five assists in 23 games for the U18s, including an extraordinary run at the end of the season, when he scored 14 times in Arsenal’s final seven Under-18 Premier League matches.
He also made history last September as the youngest ever goalscorer in the UEFA Youth League and last December as the youngest ever Premier League 2 player.
Internationally, he became the UEFA European Under-17 Championship’s youngest scorer this May when he found the net for England against Czech Republic.
Max Dowman is only 15 years and 235 days old, and he just made his Premier League debut ✨ pic.twitter.com/SNnqYOOhA5
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 23, 2025
Arteta and Timber impressed
"This is what we see every single day in training," said Arteta, of Dowman’s performance against Leeds.
"A big compliment to his family. As well, I think they’ve raised a kid with a level of maturity, stability and hunger that is very difficult to see.
"And obviously, [a big compliment] to the academy. Credit to all the coaches involved in that journey. Because there is a kid here that has zero hesitation.
"He’s so convinced that he can go at 15 and deliver that, which I’ve never witnessed in my life.
"And for us, it brings joy, it brings emotion and something else that makes our jobs so great."
Where Dowman operated against Leeds
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, who scored twice in the Leeds match, was also suitably impressed by Dowman.
"I think everyone can see the potential he has," said Timber.
"[He was] playing against grown men. He is a joy to watch. For the crowd too, he is a joy to watch. Hopefully, he will have many amazing years here."
How much Dowman is involved in Arsenal's senior team going forward remains to be seen. Despite fans clamouring for his involvement during an injury crisis last season, he has only become eligible to play in the Premier League in this campaign due to age restrictions.
Nwaneri played just once in the Premier League – for 13 minutes – in the two years following his debut.
Should Dowman be given a greater number of opportunities than Nwaneri, he will have his sights set on becoming the Premier League’s youngest ever goalscorer.
That record currently dates back to before Dowman was born. Everton’s James Vaughan was aged only 16 years and 270 days when he scored against Crystal Palace in April 2005.