Ex-refs chief says Mikel Arteta must protect Arsenal sensation after seeing ‘horrendous’ footage
Mikel Arteta must be cautious with his selection of Arsenal’s rising star to avoid any serious injuries, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Spaniard has made the “courageous” decision to bring Max Dowman into the first-team set-up at just 15 years of age.
Gunners legend Paul Merson has been stunned by Dowman’s ability on the ball, having won a penalty during the 5-0 win over Leeds United, which Viktor Gyokeres converted from 12 yards.
Supporters are extremely excited for the young academy product to get more minutes at senior level, but after taking on Spain Under-19s with England Under-19s, some concerns have emerged.
Max Dowman is fouled 10 times in 45 minuts for England Under-21s
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
It emerged on international duty that Dowman was fouled 10 times during the first half against Spain, sending supporters wild at the lack of protection for their talented youngster.
To put that into context, Newcastle United‘s Bruno Guimaraes won an average of 2.96 fouls per 90 minutes played in the Premier League last season [FotMob].
Spain’s David Cordon was booked for his high tackle on Dowman, but after reviewing the footage, Hackett believes that the player was lucky not to receive his marching orders on Saturday, 6 September.
Bukayo Saka picked up a new injury for Arsenal, so Arteta is familiar with frustrating injury setbacks at the Emirates Stadium, and Hackett is keen for the manager to avoid the same with Dowman.
Mikel Arteta urged to protect Max Dowman on the big stage
Hackett spoke exclusively to Football Insider about a late challenge on Dowman, saying: “That’s horrendous. That even makes it worse that the referee has given a yellow card.
“You don’t target anyone, you just prepare [as a referee]. When you have a young player coming into the game, close by is normally the captain or a seasoned player, who gives support and advice.
“There might be some petulance from a young player, wanting to retaliate, and the captain can come over and calm him down.
“Arteta, like I found with Arsene Wenger, is protective of his young players. To make the decision to bring a 15-year-old into the Premier League is remarkable. That in itself is a courageous decision.
“There will be a clear look at how the game is developing when he’s selected because they’ll want to protect him from injury. You want to avoid that early in their careers.”