Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted it is hard to leave Max Dowman out of the squad because of his outstanding qualities ahead of Wednesday’s EFL Cup clash with Brighton.
Dowman, 15, is expected to play a part when the Gunners host the Seagulls in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.
The 15-year-old was impressive during the club’s preseason tours and has also dazzled with similarly assured cameos in his few appearances this season.
The teenage sensation, who has been likened to Barcelona’s superstar Lamine Yamal due to his remarkable talents, has featured three times for the Gunners this season.
Speaking ahead of the crucial cup clash, Arteta acknowledged Dowman’s qualities and admitted that it is a difficult choice to leave the sensational teenager out of the team.
“I am calm over it because what we have decided for him for the first few months is happening,” Arteta said.
“When we have to give him games, whether it is in the youth cup, with the under-23s or with us, he has that.
“He has a lot of exposure in training with us too. We really have to manage his load.”
Dowman is expected to sign a contract pre-agreement with Arsenal when he turns 17, as the club views him as a valuable option for the future.
Aged 15 years and 235 days, he made history in August, becoming the second youngest player in EPL history behind teammate Ethan Nwaneri, when he came on for Arsenal against Leeds United.
“He is 15 years old and still growing. There are a lot of things we have to make sure are under control so he develops in the way he can do”, Arteta continued.
“He will play minutes with us, for sure. When he has the chance to do that he needs to take it.
“If we looked at his passport every day, we would never play him – simple as that. But when you look at what he does in training, you have to play him. If not, you are blind, or I’m blind”, the Spaniard added.
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