Arsenal midfielder Max Dauman has been left out of England’s 35-man squad for upcoming friendlies, but manager Thomas Tuchel has explained his position on the 16-year-old.
Manager Thomas Tuchel talks about his feelings for Max Daumann (Image: Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel sensationally opened the door to a World Cup appearance for Arsenal wonderboy Max Doman.
Dauman made history last weekend by becoming the youngest Premier League goalscorer at just 16 years and 73 days old. He is one of the most exciting prospects in English football.
England manager Tuchel did not select any star teenage players in his 35-man squad for the Wembley friendly against Uruguay and the friendly against Japan on March 27th and 31st, respectively. However, Tuchel described him as a “game changer” and made it clear he was ready to select him for the USA squad this summer, but insisted he needed to earn him more playing time at Arsenal.
Dauman, who scored Arsenal’s first goal and the second in a 2-0 win over Everton, has only played 43 minutes in the Premier League this season. Tuchel said: “Why don’t I leave the door open? I want to keep the door open for everyone, regardless of age. As a coach, I’ve learned that you shouldn’t make final decisions now.”
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read more: England fans focus on major error in manager Thomas Tuchel’s squad announcementread more: Cobie Mainoo and Harry Maguire’s Manchester United futures decided after Michael Carrick’s intervention
“Of course, what he’s doing is impressive. The feedback we’ve gotten from the players and the people who know him is impressive. We’ll look at that and make a final decision when we assemble the squad in May.”
“There’s an argument that he’s too young, but why are we bringing this up now? We should let him fight for minutes. “He’s not a regular starter at the moment, but some might argue that maybe he should be considered as a starter at his club.
“There’s also the risk of comparing to the likes of Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, and the age at which they entered that world. I don’t know that, but did Lamine Yamal play more time for the club before playing for his country? I would say yes, so yes.”
Dauman’s historic goal against Everton (Image: Getty Images)
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“But this is just the danger, all that risk, and in the end it’s a crazy hype that doesn’t help. So we have to be careful and take responsibility. But he’s at the best club, where teamwork is the most important. But he’s now in the spotlight with this amazing goal against Everton. He’s a great, outstanding talent.”
“At the moment I think he’s in a good position to compete for a place and minutes at Arsenal and there’s always a chance of him getting into the World Cup. It’s the same with the young players to keep up that level of momentum and fearlessness.”
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