After watching him playing against AC Milan, I’m really excited and I think I can score more than 50-goals next season playing with him”: Arsenal’s new signing Viktor Gyokeres names ONE Arsenal’s player who really impressed his with a stunning performance against AC Milan
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal have one of the best 15-year-olds in world football at the moment in Max Dowman.
Dowman is considered one of the brightest talents in the Gunners’ academy, and he has been training with the first team over the past year.
Arsenal could not hand him his debut last term due to age restrictions, but the youngster is poised to make his first-team bow next season.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said that Arsenal have produced another young gem in Dowman, who is one of the best 15-year-olds in the world.
He said: “This player played one pre-season game. I spoke about him in November and I’ve probably spoken about him a bit before that as well because I’ve seen him before as a young kid.
Max Dowman, don’t forget that name. Arsenal have produced another young gem.
He’s definitely the best 15-year-old in the country, probably in Europe right now, maybe the world.
I keep seeing people say, “Don’t hype him!”… what are we in football for? What are we here for?
“We’re here to be entertained, to get excited about young talent. We’re here to talk about it, love it, appreciate it.
We’re not putting expectations on his name or saying he’s got to play ten games or he’s got to score five, ten goals.
“I’m just saying I love him!‘ I want to see this, I want to see these young players coming out. He is a joke.”
Arsenal have found another exceptional gem in Dowman
Dowman is primarily an attacking midfielder, but can also operate in the number eight role or on the right wing.
He was brilliant for the development squads last season, registering 19 goals and five assists from 23 appearances.
The youngster also caught the eye at the Under-17 European Championship with England this summer.
He registered a goal and an assist during the 4-2 win over Czechia in the final group stage game.
Arsenal fans got the first glimpse of Dowman with the senior squad during the pre-season friendly against AC Milan this week.
The youngster did not look overawed by the occasion and impressed in his cameo from the right wing, replacing Bukayo Saka.
With Ethan Nwaneri vying for places with Martin Odegaard for the number 10 role, Dowman could develop as a right winger.
The youngster should get another game in Sunday’s friendly against Newcastle United in Singapore.
Dowman still has a long way to go to become an established first-team player, but Ferdinand truly believes he can be a superstar.
This **praise from Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand** for Arsenal’s **Max Dowman** is a huge endorsement—and it’s **genuinely notable** given how rare it is for top pundits to single out **15-year-olds** in such glowing terms.
### 🔥 Key Takeaways:
* **Max Dowman**, an attacking midfielder who can also play as a No. 8 or right winger, has been **training with Arsenal’s first team** and made a **pre-season appearance** against AC Milan.
* Ferdinand’s words — calling Dowman **“probably the best 15-year-old in Europe or maybe the world”** — are extraordinary, particularly because he’s known for measured analysis, not hype.
* Dowman’s **stats last season** (19 goals, 5 assists in 23 games for youth sides) and his **performance with England U-17s** at the European Championships support the buzz.
* His **calm, confident cameo** against Milan shows maturity well beyond his years. Replacing **Bukayo Saka**, no less, speaks volumes about how **highly Mikel Arteta rates him**.
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### 🧠 Rio Ferdinand’s Perspective:
Ferdinand makes a broader point about **embracing excitement** around young talent:
> “We’re not putting pressure on him… we’re here to be entertained and to love young talent.”
This echoes the **Jude Bellingham** and **Ethan Nwaneri** conversations—players who broke through early because their talent demanded it. Ferdinand is pushing back against the idea that **talking about elite youth talent is harmful** if done responsibly.
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### 🎯 What’s Next for Max Dowman:
* Expect Dowman to feature again in **Arsenal’s pre-season** (vs. Newcastle in Singapore).
* While **age restrictions** limited his debut last season, he becomes eligible for **official matches at 16** — **similar to how Nwaneri debuted** at 15.
* With **Nwaneri** likely rotating with **Odegaard**, Dowman’s development **as a right winger** could offer Arteta **long-term backup for Saka**, whose position has lacked depth.
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### 🚨 Final Thought:
Max Dowman is a **name to watch closely**, and **Ferdinand’s hype is backed by performances**. Arsenal fans have reason to be excited, but as always with youth prospects, **development and patience** will be key. Still, his **trajectory could mirror that of Bukayo Saka or Jude Bellingham** if nurtured properly.
Would you like **ongoing updates** on Dowman’s progress this pre-season or a **comparison with other top U-17 talents** across Europe?
