Arsenal Outlook Max Douman was impressed on the club’s preseason tour. One of his former academy coaches highlighted the personality traits that set him apart from his teammates
Arsenal starlet Max Dowman’s character stood out from his teammates, even in his early days at the club’s academy. Dowman was a breakout star during the Gunners preseason tour despite being only 15 years old.
The attacking midfielder is only one of several unproven youths featured in all three side friendly matches on manager Mikel Arteta’s preseason team. Dowman was impressed by Newcastle United and made his first team debut in a victory over AC Milan before winning the winning penalty.
He replaced Bukayo Saka in Arsenal’s recent defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. It takes into account that Dowman’s behavior was compared to Hale End’s alumni. Former Arsenal academy coach Temisan Williams previously worked with Douman to highlight the moment he summarises his humble personality.
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“When I left Arsenal, Max was one of the few players who personally told me. “I remember this all the time. These actions are recognized by the player’s coaches.
“He was a very measured young man and was definitely mature beyond his years, even when you were talking one-on-one with him.
“What you want me to know is what you want to do with me, how do you help me, how will this help my development?”
Douman has been clearly listening to all the advice he received from his coach as he was called out to train on Arteta’s side in November, and is better than his age group. He scored 15 goals in many under-18 league games for Arsenal last season, becoming the youngest ever scorer in the 14-year-old Under-19 UEFA Youth League.
But despite his eyes on goals and talent that dribbled to the ball, Dowman’s approach to teammates impressed Williams the most, who impressed him.
“He was a great teammate,” explained Williams. “I’ve always seen things go wrong in development football. When things aren’t gone for the players, they’re probably getting frustrated, losing, and all of that type.
“I see Max’s response and he’s always encouraged his teammates. I don’t see him dig out players in a very hurrying way or complain to them. If you ask someone who trains and plays with him through the academy, they’ll probably echo the same emotions.”
Arsenal boss Arteta showed his willingness to integrate the Academy’s outlook into a team chasing the title last season, with Miles Lewis Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri becoming regulars on the first team. Douman is on the preseason team along with 15-year-old Marli Salmon, 17-year-old striker Andre Harriman Annas and other young people.
Discussing Dowman’s exhibition with Newcastle, Arteta said: “It’s special. What he did today against this team when he was on the field is certainly not common to witness a 15-year-old. It’s very happy to have him.”
Given his lack of experience at the Premier League 2 level, it remains to be seen whether Dowman will continue to link with the senior side once the season begins. However, his former coach Williams has little doubts about the level that Douman will be able to reach in the future.
“Champions League, World Cup, Premier League,” Williams concluded. “He has all the abilities. He has mentality. Mikel Arteta would not bring him to fold if he didn’t.”
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