Arsenal winger Max Dowman became the second-youngest player in Premier League history Saturday when he made his debut against Leeds United at 15 years and 234 days old. Only teammate Ethan Nwaneri holds the younger record for both Arsenal and the Premier League.
The teenager has trained with Arsenal\'s first team since age 14 and traveled to Dubai for the senior squad\'s warm-weather camp in January. His rapid development prompted calls from supporters to include him during Arsenal\'s injury-hit periods this season.
Manager Mikel Arteta has carefully managed Dowman\'s progression, monitoring his reactions to various situations including bench appearances and squad omissions. The club has implemented comprehensive safeguarding measures for the young player.
Special Protocols for Young Star
Arsenal requires Dowman to change in a separate room from teammates before training and matches due to his age. He joins the main changing room only for team talks delivered by Arteta and coaching staff.
A dedicated security team member stays close to Dowman during travel and matchdays. The youngster maintains built-in study time at the training ground as he enters Year 11, preparing for his GCSE examinations.
Declan Rice serves as one of Dowman\'s mentors, selected for his experience starting professional football at a young age. Rice frequently appears alongside Dowman during team travel.
Former Stars Praise Playing Style
Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott drew comparisons between Dowman and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi after watching the teenager\'s debut performance.
\"What\'s really fascinating is that [Arsenal manager] Mikel Arteta will allow him to do that because that\'s his strength,\" said Walcott, who spent 12 years at Arsenal after joining the club in 2006. \"He carries the ball, he\'s quicker with the ball. He\'s like Messi. I remember playing against Messi - when he was off the ball he\'s not quick. Maybe it\'s because I was quicker than most. When he had the ball he would just glide past people, glide past me with ease. [Dowman\'s] got that, he\'s got the stop-start.\"
England legend Wayne Rooney expressed admiration for Dowman\'s achievement, noting the teenager broke into Premier League action even younger than Rooney\'s own record-setting debut.
\"To play at that age in the Premier League is crazy,\" Wayne Rooney said. \"I know I played when I was young, but I think he\'s like 150 days younger than I was or more. It\'s just refreshing to see a young lad get his opportunity, and, even though he\'s playing for Arsenal, every time he cuts inside you go \'shoot\'. You want him to put it in the top corner.\"
International Recognition and Contract Rules
Dowman already represents England at youth level, becoming the youngest scorer in European Under-17 Championship history with his goal against Czech Republic in May. He can play in the Champions League without age restrictions under UEFA regulations.
FIFA rules prevent Dowman from signing a professional contract until age 17. Current scholars in his age group typically earn under $12,000 annually under scholarship agreements.
The debut marks a significant milestone in Dowman\'s development as Arsenal continues supporting his dual focus on football and education.
Via Alex Howell/BBC