Mikel Arteta has praised Max Dowman after the 16-year-old scored twice in Arsenal’s 4-2 Carabao Cup victory over Ipswich Town, while insisting the club will manage his development carefully.
Dowman’s performance added to the growing attention surrounding the young attacker, whose individual play helped Arsenal secure their win. Arteta said the teenager had produced moments of outstanding quality but stressed that his progress must be handled sensibly.
Arteta outlines Arsenal plan for Max Dowman
“He was brilliant, I thought some of the individual actions he made to make a difference and to impact the game were outstanding,” Arteta told Sky Sports after the match.
“We know the talent, we need to look after him. The talent is there, the environment around him is really good as well. Step by step.”
Arteta acknowledged that Arsenal were taking a cautious approach because of Dowman’s age, while making clear that the club did not intend to restrict his progress.
“Yes (we’re handling him carefully) because he’s 16 years old. We need to be really cautious with that,” the Arsenal manager said.
“We don’t want to stop him, we don’t want to put any brakes into him, we need to develop him, and we are fully aware of what he needs. He will have opportunities to play.”
Dowman usually operates on the right, where he shares similarities with fellow left-footed attackers Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke. Against Ipswich, however, he appeared in a more central role, allowing him and Madueke to start together.
Arsenal have several attacking options competing for places, meaning Dowman’s opportunities will continue to be managed. But should he maintain the level displayed against Ipswich, his performances will strengthen the case for further first-team involvement.
