Rio Ferdinand has urged Mikel Arteta to give 15-year-old Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman first-team opportunities after a stunning pre-season cameo.
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Dowman made his senior debut during Arsenal’s friendly against AC Milan, impressing fans and pundits with his skill, confidence, and sharp movement.
The Hale End academy graduate played on the right wing and even converted a penalty in a post-match shootout in Singapore.
Ferdinand, blown away by Dowman’s performance, called him “a joke” and believes he’s one of the best young players around.
“There’s a different energy when you watch someone like Dowman,” Ferdinand said. “He just makes you say, ‘Give me more.’”
Dowman has trained with Arsenal’s senior squad since early 2025 and is already tipped as one of England’s brightest teenage stars.
Ferdinand praised Arsenal’s youth development, referencing Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri as examples of Hale End’s extraordinary pipeline of talent.
He added, “Declan Rice seems to have taken Dowman under his wing — the kid is shining around elite players, comfortably.”
Ferdinand appealed directly to Arteta, saying, “Please play these kids — talent like this is undeniable and must be nurtured properly.”
Arsenal fans now wait eagerly to see if Dowman will get Premier League minutes when the season begins, reports Express.
