Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice react to Max Dowman’s post-Arsenal debut message
Max Dowman has taken to social media to reflect on his senior debut in Arsenal’s friendly win over AC Milan.
The Gunners beat the Italian giants 1-0 at Singapore’s National Stadium on Wednesday, thanks to a strike from Bukayo Saka early into the second half.
Milan then beat Arsenal 6-5 in a post-match shootout in front of a bumper crowd.
Just 15 years old, Dowman is one of a host of young players joining Mikel Arteta’s side on tour, having recently been tipped for greatness by ex-Arsenal forward Perry Groves.
https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1948005854390730916Max Dowman reacts to Arsenal debut
Dowman was given a good run out by Arteta on Wednesday, coming on in the 66th minute in place of Saka.
The teenager caught the eye with a 92% pass completion rate, four out of five ground duels won and one successful dribble from two attempts, alongside making two tackles and attempting one shot (Sofascore).
Dowman also converted a penalty during the shootout, showing composure far beyond his years.
| Arsenal U18 stats | Max Dowman |
| Appearances | 25 |
| Goals | 20 |
| Assists | 10 |
After the match, the youngster posted on Instagram to reveal his pride in making his Arsenal debut, promising there is much more to come.
“Proud moment for me and my family to make my debut for this great club. Only the start!” Dowman wrote in a post that garnered likes from a host of teammates, including Saka, Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.
Mikel Arteta gives verdict on teen showing vs AC Milan
Arteta was asked about Dowman and fellow youngsters like Josh Nichols and Marli Salmon — who also got 24-minute runs — in his post-match press conference.
The Spaniard was happy with the performances of his teenagers, though he wouldn’t commit when asked how many competitive minutes they can realistically expect when the 2025/26 season begins.
“Yes, I’m very happy with all the kids,” Arteta responded when asked about Dowman (Sky Sports, 24 July).
“I think they are able to play at that level, with 15 years old, in my opinion, because of the environment, and the culture that is within the team, and when somebody makes you feel so comfortable, so confident, straight away you can go and do it.
“Obviously it gives you the best chance, you have to have the qualities that this kid has.
“We don’t know [about Dowman’s minutes this season]. With all the young kids at the end, they are in and around the team constantly, and they are really used to the dynamics, the demands, and especially raising the physical levels.
“Because the demands, and actually to be able to perform and impact the game at that level, it demands really, really high physical standards, and they are getting that, and that gives them another platform, and then they will have to earn it.”