Rio Ferdinand reacts to Max Dowman message as Arsenal teen impresses again
Max Dowman has caught the eye of Rio Ferdinand following his performance in Arsenal’s win over Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Gunners won 3-2 in Singapore, with Martin Odegaard scoring a late penalty following a Mikel Merino strike and Jacob Murphy’s own goal.
It was Dowman who won the spot-kick for Odegaard in an explosive 30-minute cameo, which also featured a 100% success rate on passes and crosses, two shots on target and six of eight ground duels won (Sofascore).
This was just the latest standout moment this pre-season for the 15-year-old, who also caught the eye in his senior debut against AC Milan earlier in the week.
Rio Ferdinand reacts to Max Dowman message
Supporters on social media were raving about Dowman’s performance, even tipping the youngster to quickly overtake Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.
Dowman took to Instagram following Sunday’s victory to post various snaps of himself from the match, including replacing Bukayo Saka, embracing Newcastle star Joelinton, celebrating Odegaard’s goal and speaking with Mikel Arteta on the bench.
“What a night!” read Dowman’s caption on the post, which has received over 61,000 likes so far.
Manchester United and England legend Rio Ferdinand is one of those likes, while the pundit also commented with a popcorn emoji — clearly keeping a close eye on the Hale End sensation.
Mikel Arteta hails ‘special’ Dowman
Dowman has been receiving plaudits from all angles this week and given his performances against top-class opposition at this age, it’s really no surprise.
It’s often natural for a manager to remain cautious with players of this age, perhaps playing down their achievements to protect them from coming under too much pressure early in their careers.
| Arsenal U18 stats | Max Dowman |
| Appearances | 25 |
| Goals | 20 |
| Assists | 10 |
And while Mikel Arteta is taking steps to look after Dowman, even he cannot help but sit back and admire his teenage tyro.
“Yeah, it is special,” Arteta told reporters after Sunday’s match (Football.London, 27 July). “Obviously, what he’s done today against this team in the time that he had on the pitch is something certainly not common to witness for a 15-year-old. We are extremely happy to have him.
“I think again the environment that he’s around in, his family, the people at the club and around the academy as well, super helpful because they put him into this position so early in his journey, having a real chance and a real presence when he plays for the first time.”