‘Problem’ – Jamie Carragher reveals Max Dowman issue that Arsenal must overcome
Arsenal sensation Max Dowman continues to earn praise, but former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has spotted a problem surrounding the teenager.
Dowman came off the bench against Leeds to make his first Premier League appearance at just 15 years old after coming through the academy at Arsenal.
Arsenal fans were impressed as Dowman shone against Leeds, and won a penalty for his side which Viktor Gyokeres converted.
In pre-season, Dowman impressed for Arsenal against Newcastle, making an impact off the bench and winning the penalty which secured the Gunners the victory.
Max Dowman faces a ‘problem’ at Arsenal
Speaking to Sky Sports [25 August], Carragher believes Dowman is a special talent, but that his pathway into the first team is currently blocked.
Dowman plays as a number 10 or on the right flank, positions which stars Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka both occupy.
| Appearances | 22 |
| Goals | 17 |
| Assists | 10 |
Saka went off with a hamstring injury against Leeds, whilst Odegaard was also replaced with a shoulder problem.
The recent arrivals of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze though have bolstered Mikel Arteta’s options across in the attacking positions.
Carragher though thinks that when a player makes their breakthrough at such a young age it can only mean one thing.
“When you’ve got a player whose that good, we think about some of the greatest players we’ve seen, they always get that debut really early if they’re really special, Carragher said.
“That lad will need nurturing, Mikel Arteta’s got experience of that you think of the younger players who’ve come into Arsenal the last couple of years who’ve done really well so I think he’s at the best place.
“The only problem Arsenal have got is every young player and maybe the best player all play in the same position, so you’ve got Saka, you’ve got him [Dowman] coming through, probably a few years away from being a first team regular, Nwaneri as well probably a similar sort of the position, Odegaard as well.
“So that’s probably the only downside, but it is fantastic for him and fantastic for the future of Arsenal.”
Mikel Arteta to nurture Max Dowman development
Football Insider Verdict
Dowman faces a high calibre of competition at Arsenal, and it is Mikel Arteta’s job to integrate the teenager into the side.
Left out of the squad at Man United, Dowman came on when Arsenal were four-nil up against Leeds, a scenario likely to be repeated this season.
Dowman will be hoping for starts in the League Cup and minutes on the pitch in the Premier League when Arsenal are in control of the match.
Arteta has previous history at Arsenal at trusting young players and the Spaniard will not be afraid to play Dowman when the right opportunity presents itself.
With Saka out for a month and Odegaard also potentially facing time on the sidelines, the next couple of weeks could see Dowman play an important squad role for Arteta earlier then expected.