‘Makes me sick’ – Theo Walcott shares Max Dowman verdict after Arsenal debut vs Leeds
Theo Walcott has outlined the importance of Arsenal looking after their starlet Max Dowman, who featured in their win over Leeds.
Arsenal hammered Leeds 5-0 on Saturday, 23 August, to secure their second consecutive win of the new Premier League season.
High-profile summer acquisition Viktor Gyokeres announced himself to the Emirates Stadium faithful by notching a brace, while Jurrien Timber also starred, scoring two goals.
England international Bukayo Saka also scored his first goal of the campaign, but the main talking point arguably arrived when 15-year-old Max Dowman made his Premier League debut as a second half substitute.
Theo Walcott makes Max Dowman admission as teenager makes Arsenal debut
During the Gunners’ heavy win over Leeds, Myles Lewis-Skelly put on an impressive display coming off the bench.
Meanwhile, former Arsenal star Walcott weighed in on Dowman’s rise to prominence on the Premier League stage.
Speaking live on Sky Sports [23 August], the ex-England winger said: “Even with myself, there was a lot of weight, so I had to wait six months to even play.
“It was all expectation and then I, of course, went to the World Cup without playing in the league, no choice of my own, and then there’s a different pressure.
“He’s going to have pressure every day now, the way he is around the place and at school of course.
“I’m sure Arsenal really look after him in that side of things. You can just get the sense that he’s got a good head on his shoulders.
“He’s got good man management there as well, Mikel Arteta, who, as well will look after him and he trusts him.
“I think that’s the biggest thing, when you have a manager that trusts you it allows you to express yourself.
“I think the world is at his feet, but it kind of makes me sick at times just thinking look let’s let him enjoy his football.
“He’s going to obviously still develop mentally as well, I think that’s one thing we need to not shy away from.
“I think it’s important to obviously look after him in that sense but with the squad, I get the sense that they really do, I think Declan Rice in particular as well.”
Mikel Arteta must utilise the cups to manage Max Dowman’s game time
Football Insider verdict
Dowman’s talent has been clearly demonstrated by the fact that he has already made his Premier League debut at the tender age of 15.
| Opponent | Date |
| Liverpool (A) | 31/08 |
| Nottingham Forest (H) | 13/09 |
| Manchester City (H) | 21/09 |
As alluded to by Walcott, the starlet has bags of potential and looks capable of producing strong performances in the top flight for Arsenal.
However, Arteta boasts other talented wingers among his ranks, like Saka, summer signing Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Ethan Nwaneri.
Therefore, despite making his Premier League debut against Leeds on Saturday, Dowman could struggle for regular game time in the top flight.
Consequently, Arteta must utilise competitions like the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, where the North Londoners could come up against lower league opposition, to hand the 15-year-old the minutes he needs to continue maturing and developing his game.
In their next match, Arsenal face fellow Premier League title hopefuls Liverpool on Sunday, 31 August, which may prove to be too big an occasion for Dowman to feature.