By Han Bing On August 29th, Arsenal’s 15-year-old talent Dowman advanced two levels to join England’s U19 youth squad. Though it sounds incredible, Arsenal supporters expected this, since Dowman broke the youngest scorer record in the Youth Champions League last year and trained with the first team in Dubai under coach Arteta at the start of the year. Following his outstanding performances in the U17 European Youth Championship, Arsenal’s preseason, and the Premier League, Dowman’s talent has become unmistakably evident.

At just 15, Dowman is a phenomenal talent for both Arsenal and the Premier League. Arsenal’s U9-U14 assistant coach Oliveira believes his playing style is the closest to that of Kaka. After making a name for himself in the new Premier League season, Arsenal immediately launched a comprehensive "protective development" plan to ensure the best growth environment for this gifted youngster.

A Prodigy Long Emerged

In the Premier League match on August 23rd, Dowman made his substitute debut by winning a penalty, becoming the youngest player in Premier League history to win a penalty and the second youngest to appear (15 years and 235 days). However, Dowman had already shone brightly in Arsenal’s youth ranks. Former Arsenal youth coach Williams said he recognized Dowman’s extraordinary talent when he was still in the U11 team. Dowman joined Arsenal’s academy at age 8 and became the youngest player to appear for the U18s at 13.

Under the guidance of former Arsenal star Wilshere, 14-year-old Dowman broke the record for youngest appearance in Arsenal’s U21 team last year, as well as the youngest goal scorer record in the U19 Youth Champions League (14 years and 263 days). By the end of the year, he also set the youngest appearance record in the U21 league. In the 2024/25 season, Dowman scored 15 goals and assisted 5 in 15 Premier League U18 matches, totaling 19 goals and 5 assists in 23 matches across all competitions, averaging involvement in over one goal per game. During the summer U17 European Youth Championship, although England’s U17 team exited at the group stage, Dowman started every match wearing the number 10 jersey and stood out by breaking the youngest appearance record for England in the tournament.

Back at the club, Dowman participated in Arsenal’s first-team preseason, playing 95 minutes across four matches. During this time, he touched the ball 13 times in the opponent’s penalty area, took 5 shots, successfully dribbled past opponents 6 times, and won 2 penalties. He completed 36 of 41 passes with an 88% accuracy rate, including 2 key passes. With 6 successful dribbles in 95 minutes, if he maintains this level over more game time, Dowman’s future looks incredibly promising.

In Arsenal’s Premier League match against Leeds United, Dowman made his league debut, completing all 15 passes in his 27 minutes on the pitch. He made 3 dribbles with 1 success, had 2 shots, and was fouled twice. Defensively, he won 5 of 7 duels and made 2 successful tackles, also earning a penalty.
Dowman’s footwork is delicate, with quick steps and excellent rhythm. His ideal position is as a number 10, though he can also play as a winger. Due to frequent competition against older opponents, Dowman’s physicality is stronger than that of his peers. He remains calm, composed, and never intimidated. Arsenal defender Timber’s praise reflects Dowman’s talent well: “Watching him play is a pleasure, and everyone can see his potential.”

Protecting the Prodigy Is Clearly Crucial

With injuries to Havertz, Ødegaard, and Saka, Dowman is expected to get more playing time in the future. However, Arsenal is not rushing his development and has a dedicated "protective development" plan. Due to UK youth protection laws, the club has arranged a separate locker room for Dowman after joining the first team. When traveling for away matches or arriving at home games, Dowman is accompanied by a dedicated bodyguard.

Arteta has consistently monitored Dowman, ensuring since the January Dubai training camp that he receives full support from teammates in the first team. In four preseason matches and his Premier League debut, Dowman was given sufficient ball time to showcase his talent. He is also allowed to attend tactical briefings in the first team’s locker room. The coaching staff regularly compiles reports on Dowman’s physical development, mental health, and training and match performance, dynamically adjusting his training plan. Now standing 1.83 meters tall, his physical conditioning, technical training, and rehabilitation exercises are continuously adapted as he grows.

Youth training director Mertesacker emphasizes the importance of education. Dowman will enter Year 11 this September and is taking GCSE exams this week to obtain his General Certificate of Secondary Education. Dowman’s father is the CEO of an independent insurance brokerage in London and a shareholder and coach at Dowman’s childhood club. He believes that both academics and football are equally important. To ensure Dowman’s studies are not neglected, the club has scheduled specific study times at the training base and appointed Rice to look after Dowman during team travels, as Rice is considered an ideal mentor for young players.

When Dowman turns 16 on January 1st next year, Arsenal will offer him his first professional contract, lasting 2.5 plus 1 years. The terms will protect the player’s interests and secure his future with Arsenal, eagerly awaiting the birth of the club’s next superstar.