All of the hype to come out of Arsenal‘s FA Cup win over Mansfield Town on Saturday was about Max Dowman.
However, truth be told, this was a day to celebrate Hale End in general. Dowman was joined by fellow 16-year-old Marli Salmon in the starting lineup while there were also places on the bench for striker Andre Harriman-Annous and midfielder Ife Ibrahim.
For those who suggest Mikel Arteta doesn’t give young players an opportunity, this was a timely reminder that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.
How Max Dowman helped down Mansfield
Young Dowman burst onto the scene in pre-season with a series of stunning performances. Premier League opposition didn’t seem to faze him, notably winning a penalty in the game against Newcastle.
Yet, the attacking midfielder had started making a name for himself before his official first-team introduction over the summer months.
Dowman became the youngest player to ever feature for Arsenal’s U18s at the age of just 13 and became the youngest goalscorer in UEFA Youth League history at the age of 14.
Since then, he’s made waves at senior level too. He is the second youngest player in Premier League history after Ethan Nwaneri and he is the youngest individual to ever feature in the Champions League. Yeah, he’s some player.
So, based on that, an afternoon at League One Mansfield was never going to bother him. You could tell that too with his performance.
While Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze were the goal scorers for Arsenal, Dowman was the best player on the pitch, delivering a stunning performance from the middle of the park that had pundits and fans alike purring.
Dowman vs Mansfield Town
Minutes played
77
Touches
52
Accurate passes
23/28 (82%)
Key passes
2
Accurate crosses
0/1
Shots
5
Shots on target
3
Successful dribbles
4
Carries
14
Fouled
3x
Duels won
7/13
Dowman could and probably should have scored at least twice, missing two one-on-ones in the first half but that was the only downer of what was a mighty fine display by the 16-year-old.
The teenager had as many as five shots on Saturday while he also completed four dribbles, five carries and was fouled three times. He looked a class apart and it was evidence that this kid is going straight to the top.
Alongside the likes of Nwaneri, Salmon and Co, the future certainly looks bright at the Emirates Stadium. Yet, have Arsenal already signed the next Dowman? It looks like it.
Arsenal have already signed their next Dowman
The depth of Arsenal’s squad, let alone the depth of their young talent is remarkable. Whether it be next season or two seasons in the future, Arteta’s squad looks well set up for the future.
Well, it’s set to get even better in 2027 when the Gunners welcome a set of twins from Ecuador to the Emirates Stadium.
They go by the name of Edwin and Holger Quintero. Arsenal’s official channels announced back in December that the two teenagers had agreed deals to move to north London in 2027 once they turn 18.
Both of them are currently 16 years of age and play their football for Independiente del Valle in their homeland. You may have heard of that club before and if you have, it’s because they boast one of the finest academies in world football.
They have produced Arsenal’s very own Piero Hincapie, while Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo and PSG’s William Pacho have also come out of the youth system at Independiente.
While you may not have heard of the Quintero twins, they look like two of the finest young talents in the game today. Holger is an attacking midfielder by trade, while Edwin, perhaps the best of the brothers, is predominantly a right winger. However, like Dowman, he can also play through the middle as a number 10.
It’s the latter who supporters should be most excited about. Just over a year ago, scout Jacek Kulig outlined a crop of young players with 10/10 potential and on that list included not just Dowman but also Edwin Quintero.
Why? Well, in the words of Como scout Ben Mattinson, he “has the ability to run games and create something out of nothing.” That certainly sounds like Arsenal’s wonderkid, doesn’t it?
Like Dowman, Quintero boasts elite levels of flair and combines excellent control with fleet-footedness and quick dribbling. He can wriggle out of tight situations and pivotally, he knows how to score and create goals.
His agility and electric pace are two things that set him apart, while he also has remarkable composure for someone so young. Like Dowman, Quintero commands possession and knows just how good he is.
While a first team debut still awaits in Ecuador, he’s making waves at international level already. In eight caps for his nation’s U17 side, he has scored three times. Similarly to Dowman, he has the world at his feet and an extremely interesting future ahead of him.
It might be a while before we see him in Arsenal colours but get excited. Both twins look like the real deal.
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Max Dowman looks like the real deal at Arsenal.