Arsenal have wonderkid to unleash as Declan Rice's eight-word comment speaks volumes

Arsenal is preparing to potentially unleash Max Dowman, described as "the best 15-year-old in the country," after he began training with the senior team ahead of the 2025/26 season. He has been photographed participating in first-team sessions as the club gears up for domestic and European campaigns.

Dowman, a product of Arsenal's academy, has earned caps for England at Under-16 and Under-17 levels. He made history earlier this year by becoming the youngest player to feature in Premier League 2, leading manager Mikel Arteta to include him in a warm-weather training camp in Dubai. Capable of playing in advanced midfield or wide positions, Dowman received high praise from teammate Declan Rice.

Rice, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, acknowledged Dowman's talent but cautioned about the challenges ahead, stating, "At 15, there is such a long way to go... you need to be hungry, keep working and keep pushing." Rice emphasized his mentorship role, revealing he often speaks with Dowman and admires his family support, calling him "unreal." Rice is also guiding other academy graduates, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, drawing from his own experiences with older players.

Dowman recently participated in the 2025 UEFA European Under-17 Championship and gained attention last September when, at age 14, he scored for Arsenal's Under-19s in a UEFA Youth League match against Atalanta, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the competition's history.