All the hype that came out of Arsenal’s FA Cup win over Mansfield Town on Saturday was about Max Dowman.
However, truth be told, this was a day to celebrate Hale End overall. Dowman was joined by fellow 16-year-old Marli Salmon in the starting line-up and there were also places on the bench for striker Andre Harriman-Annous and midfielder Ife Ibrahim.
For those who suggest Mikel Arteta doesn’t give young players a chance, this was a timely reminder that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.
How Max Dowman helped down Mansfield
Young Dowman burst onto the scene in the preseason with a string of impressive performances. Premier League opposition didn’t seem to faze him, especially winning a penalty against Newcastle.
However, the attacking midfielder had already started to make a name for himself ahead of his club’s official launch in the summer months.
Dowman became the youngest player ever to play for Arsenal’s U18s aged just 13 and became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the UEFA Youth League at the age of 14.
Since then, he has been making waves at the top level as well. He is the second youngest player in Premier League history behind Ethan Nwaneri and the youngest player to ever play in the Champions League. Yes, he is a certain player.
So, based on that, an afternoon at League One Mansfield wouldn’t bother him. You can see that from his performance.
While Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze were Arsenal’s top scorers, Dowman was the best player on the pitch, producing a spectacular display in the middle of the park that had fans and fans alike in awe.
|
Dowman vs Mansfield Town |
|
|---|---|
|
Minutes played |
77 |
|
To touch |
52 |
|
Accurate passes |
23/28 (82%) |
|
Key passes |
2 |
|
Accurate crosses |
0/1 |
|
Shots |
5 |
|
Shots on target |
3 |
|
Successful dribbles |
4 |
|
It carries |
14 |
|
It’s broken |
3x |
|
Duels won |
7/13 |
Dowman could have scored at least two goals, missing two solo goals in the first half but that was all that happened for the 16-year-old.
This teenager was shot five times on Saturday when he completed four dribbles, five balls and was fouled three times. He looked at the class apart and it was proof that this kid is on his way to the top.
With the likes of Nwaneri, Salmon and Co, the future looks bright at the Emirates Stadium. However, have Arsenal already signed the next Dowman? It looks like.
Arsenal have already signed their next Dowman
The depth of Arsenal’s squad, not to mention the depth of their young talent is impressive. Whether it’s next season or two seasons from now, Arteta’s side look set for the future.
However, it will get even better in 2027 when the Gunners welcome a set of twins from Ecuador to the Emirates Stadium.
They go by the name of Edwin and Holger Quintero. Arsenal’s official channels announced in December that the two youngsters had agreed terms to move to north London in 2027 when they turn 18.
Both are now 16 years old and play their football for Independiente del Valle in their country. You may have heard of that team before and if you have, it’s because it boasts one of the best schools in world football.
They produced Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie a lot, while Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo and PSG’s William Pacho also came through the youth system at Independiente.
While you may not have heard of the Quintero twins, they look like two of the best young talents in the game today. Holger is an attacking midfielder by trade, while Edwin, perhaps the best of the brothers, is a winger on the right. However, like Dowman, he can also play centrally as a number 10.
It’s the latter that fans should be most excited about. More than a year ago, scout Jacek Kulig revealed a crop of young players with 10/10 chances and this list includes not only Dowman but also Edwin Quintero.
Why? Yes, in the words of Como scout Ben Mattinson, “he has the ability to run plays and create something out of nothing.” That sounds like an Arsenal wonderkid, doesn’t it?
Like Dowman, Quintero has high levels of intelligence and combines excellent control with footwork and speed. He can get out of tight situations and basically, he can score and create goals.
His quickness and electric speed are two things that set him apart, while he has a remarkable composure for someone so young. Like Dowman, Quintero commands possession and knows how good he is.
While the first team is still pending in Ecuador, he is already making waves at the international level. In eight games for his U17 national team, he has scored three goals. Like Dowman, he has the world at his feet and a very interesting future ahead of him.
It may be a while before we see him in Arsenal colors but we are excited. Both twins look like the real deal.
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Max Dowman looks like the real deal at Arsenal.
