Max Dowman has been given a major endorsement ahead of the summer World Cup. The Arsenal teenager has enjoyed a breakout season, where even in his limited game time, he has made a major impact on the Premier League title race.
His substitute appearance against Everton has significantly elevated his stature. He both helped to create the opening goal and scored the second with some excellent dribbling and control.
Naturally, it has led to question marks over whether the 16-year-old could be a genuine contender for Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup group. Currently playing for the under-19s, Dowman has received the backing of one of England’s most historic figures.
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Manchester United legend and the holder of 90 England caps, Bryan Robson, has given his case why Tuchel considering Dowman would not be something to baulk at.
Robson, speaking via Tomorrow Wellness, who provide heart and cardiovascular health screening and wellness plans, said, “Yeah, he's got great quality, good pace.
“Usually, I would say he's a bit too young with no experience to go to a World Cup, but I think sometimes, if you're good enough and you've proven yourself in the Premier League in a few games, he might be a great one to throw into the squad because he probably doesn't fear anything.
“When you're a bit more experienced, you can sometimes be a little bit wary of what game you're going into, whereas a 16-year-old will just go in there and enjoy himself. So, it is an option which you've really got to think hard about.”
From Mikel Arteta’s perspective, the Spaniard has been on a mission to both give Dowman the minutes he deserves and the club needs, while also keeping his feet firmly on the ground. A difficult balance to strike, and even pleading with reporters in a recent press conference to help try to mitigate the euphoria around him.
Speaking after the win over Everton, the manager could not have spoken more encouragingly of the youngster, however.
“I didn’t expect that kind of goal, but his attitude and his decision making, yes,” Arteta said. “If not, I wouldn’t have made the decision to play him.
“But then to be that precise and deliver the moment that he delivered, that’s something difficult to imagine. He is knocking on the door at 16, saying: ‘I am good enough and I can impact this team whenever it is needed.’ And he is doing it when he is playing.”
Asked whether Dowman could make the England squad for the summer, Arteta quickly responded: “Let’s go game by game, please.”
A call-up seems unlikely but with Eberechi Eze suffering a calf injury, set to sideline him for a reported number of weeks, it could be that this opens the door wider for more chances with the first team for Dowman. That said, he was an unused substitute in the 2-0 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
