Mikel Arteta Names Arsenal’s Next Breakthrough Star After Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly

There’s Plenty of Buzz Surrounding 15-Year-Old Max Dowman at Arsenal

In what has been an exciting and youth-fuelled season for Arsenal Football Club, Mikel Arteta has once again placed his faith in the club’s academy — and now, all eyes are on the next wonderkid in line: Max Dowman.

The 2024/25 campaign might not end with silverware in the Emirates cabinet, but it will certainly be remembered as the year Hale End roared back to prominence. With Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly already breaking into the first team and making real contributions, the conveyor belt of talent in North London shows no signs of slowing. Enter Max Dowman — the 15-year-old midfielder who’s generating whispers of greatness at London Colney.

“He’s a big, big talent,” Mikel Arteta recently said when asked about the teenager, and coming from a manager not known for dishing out praise lightly, that says a lot.

Hale End Shines Again as Dowman Emerges

For those familiar with Arsenal’s academy setup, the name Max Dowman won’t be new. But for the wider footballing world, it’s only now that the buzz is beginning to build. This season alone, Dowman has delivered jaw-dropping numbers for Arsenal’s Under-18s — netting 13 goals in just 14 league appearances and adding three more in as many FA Youth Cup games.

That kind of output from a central midfielder is rare. It’s no wonder comparisons are already being drawn between Dowman and Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard. Both possess that same smooth touch, creative vision, and uncanny ability to dictate tempo. Watching Dowman play, you see a teenager who reads the game like someone twice his age.

More than just statistics, it’s the way he carries himself on the pitch that has impressed. Composed. Focused. Sharp. And despite his age, he doesn’t shy away from big moments. He wants the ball. He wants responsibility.

The Mikel Arteta Approach: If You’re Good Enough, You’re Old Enough

There was a time not long ago when some critics accused Mikel Arteta of being hesitant to promote youth. But that narrative is quickly falling apart. Myles Lewis-Skelly was thrown into the mix earlier this season and has since become Arsenal’s first-choice left-back, showing versatility and maturity well beyond his years. Ethan Nwaneri, who already made headlines at 15 for becoming the Premier League’s youngest-ever debutant, has stepped in capably for Bukayo Saka and even picked up some crucial assists along the way.

And now, it seems Dowman is next in line.

“Now he is involved in the squad. He trains with us a lot,” said Mikel Arteta. “Does that mean he will play in the Premier League many games? I don’t know; depends how good he is… but we certainly got a big, big talent there.”

Declan Rice Sings Dowman’s Praises

When a senior England international like Declan Rice calls a 15-year-old “the best in the country,” people tend to take notice. That’s exactly what happened in March when Rice spoke about Dowman following a series of training sessions at London Colney.

According to sources close to the club, Dowman has left quite an impression on the first-team regulars. His maturity in training, his technical ability, and above all, his willingness to listen and learn have all stood out. He even joined the team on their mid-season trip to Dubai in February — a clear signal from Mikel Arteta that Dowman is not just a name for the future, but a player Arsenal are actively preparing.

The Ødegaard Connection: A Natural Successor?

It might be early — some might say too early — but it’s hard to ignore the similarities between Ødegaard and Dowman. The way the young midfielder glides between the lines, the precision in his passes, and the ability to change the pace of the game all feel reminiscent of the Norwegian’s style.

There are even murmurs at Hale End that Dowman could, one day, inherit Ødegaard’s creative mantle. That’s a heavy shirt to fill, no doubt. But at 15, Dowman is already showing signs that he might be able to handle that pressure.

It’s no surprise that other clubs are sniffing around. Top academies across Europe are well aware of who Max Dowman is. But Arsenal fans will be pleased to know that the club is doing everything in its power to keep the prodigy happy and tied to the red half of North London.

Building for the Future — One Starlet at a Time

What Arsenal are doing right now isn’t just impressive — it’s strategic. Rather than relying solely on big-money signings, the club is quietly cultivating a generation of elite-level footballers from within. That’s a blueprint not only for financial sustainability but also for building a team with identity and heart.

In Dowman, they may well have found a player who embodies that philosophy perfectly. He’s humble. He’s driven. And most importantly, he’s talented.

The midfield area, while currently stacked with stars like Rice, Ødegaard, and Jorginho, won’t stay the same forever. As football moves fast, so does squad evolution. Dowman doesn’t need to be ready today — but if his current trajectory continues, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him feature in domestic cup matches or pre-season friendlies as early as next season.

Final Thoughts: A Star in the Making?

Only time will tell whether Max Dowman becomes the next Hale End graduate to leave a mark on the Premier League. But one thing is clear: the foundations are there. The talent is unquestionable. The opportunity is waiting.

If Arsenal continue to nurture him as they have with Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, the Emirates crowd could soon be chanting his name. And who knows — maybe in a few years, we’ll be talking about Dowman leading Arsenal out as captain, orchestrating play from the heart of midfield.

For now, let’s just enjoy watching the next chapter of Hale End’s golden era unfold. Because Max Dowman isn’t just the next big thing — he might be the real deal.