Max Dowman reacts to viral Marli Salmon footage for Arsenal Under-21s: ‘This kid is going to go far’
Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman has reacted after footage of Marli Salmon playing for Arsenal Under-21s went viral.
Along with Dowman, the defender has made his first senior appearances for the Gunners this season, and is considered among the brightest talents at the Emirates Stadium.
On Monday, the 16-year-old was captaining the side as Arsenal U21s beat Reading U21s 4-1 in the Premier League 2.
January signing Evan Mooney, Andre Harriman-Annous and Ceadach O’Neill got the goals, with the other coming courtesy of an own-goal.
But it was a moment from Salmon in the second half that caught the attention of many fans.
Max Dowman likes Marli Salmon post
It has been rare in recent years to see Arsenal produce a defensive talent. Myles Lewis-Skelly is the exception to the rule, but he is naturally a midfielder.
Ethan Nwaneri, Bukayo Saka and Dowman are the attacking standouts, but fans have been hoping to see a defensive talent of the same ilk come through.
They appear to have got their wish in the emergence of Salmon, who is seriously impressing at the youth level, and has not looked out of place in his appearances for the first team.
The 16-year-old came on against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup earlier this month, and seemed to slot straight into the back line at right-back.
He was back in the U21s squad on Monday, but despite his young age, seems to already be a level above the competition.
Rising Ballers shared a video from the game to Instagram, in which Salmon began to do keepy-ups as he was pressed by the Reading attacker.
“Nah… Marli Salmon is way too composed,” the post said. “16 and balling out so much at U21s level that he’s bringing out the keepy-ups. This kid is going to go far”.
The post was liked by Dowman, who likely would have been involved if not for the injury he is close to returning from.
What Mikel Arteta said about Salmon
Arsenal will face an interesting decision in the summer when it comes to Salmon. The defender is likely ready for more senior football, but the Gunners will be keen to see him develop under their roof.
Speaking after he had made his Champions League debut in December, Mikel Arteta said: “He was ready, he was prepared, he can play as a centre-back or as a full-back and I’m delighted.
“He’s so young, 16 still, and he’s playing in the Champions League. So yeah, what a great night for him as well.”
With Ben White and Jurrien Timber facing injury issues, Salmon may well be an option at right-back next season.