Mikel Arteta discovers next Arsenal wonderkid as 14-year-old continues historic rise

Arsenal youngster Max Dowman once again impressed for the Gunners in the UEFA Youth League to continue his astonishing breakthrough.

The 14-year-old helped the north London's U19s side to a 1-0 victory over Paris-Saint Germain as debutant Andre Harriman-Annous's strike proved the difference. Dowman was denied a goal of his own when PSG goalkeeper Laurendon pushed the ball over the bar following the teenager's introduction after 32 minutes.

As the rain lashed down at Meadow Park, Bowman still managed to produce a silky performance in the European competition. The wonderkid showed plenty of composure on the ball to navigate his older opponents with the tournament open to those aged under-19.

Earlier in September, Dowman became the Youth League's youngest ever goalscorer at just 14 years, 8 months, and 19 days old, when he net in defeat to Atalanta. Arsenal's starlet took the record from Borussia Dortmund star Youssoufa Moukoko, currently on loan at Nice, who was aged 14 years, 11 months and three days old back in 2019.

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Dowman also broke an Arsenal record at that time. He became the youngest ever player to appear for Arsenal in the competition - surpassing the record set by Kaylen Hinds, who played who was just 15 when he appeared in 2013.

The young Gunner impressed those watching against the Parisian side and drew plenty of praise for his hour-long performance. Dowman's ability on the ball appears to have stood out most.

"Watched the Arsenal vs PSG youth game earlier and I know we have to be careful about the hype around a 14yo but Max Dowman’s technical level is unbelievable," said one supporter on X.

"This kid is something else. The way he plays looks like he is taking on players for fun," added another fan on social media. "He was always a threat, kept getting fouled. Didn't struggle tactically or physically with that level," commented one user.

"That first turn, holy smokes!" was all one fan could utter, while another is expecting more to come. "Mark my words. He will break multiple records as the "youngest ever..." at Arsenal," they said.

A simple message was also sent to the Gunners: "Give him all the money. We can’t lose him to Chelsea, Man U or City." Arsenal's youngest player to start for their first team is goalkeeper Jack Porter who featured against Bolton Wanderers at 16. With David Raya injured and Neto cup-tied, Portor beat Cesc Fabregas's club record by more than 100 days.

Midfielder Ethan Nwaneri remains the youngest to have made a Premier League appearance. Aged 15 years and 181 days, Nwaneri replaced Fabio Vieira against Brentford to become the club's youngest ever player.

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