'Watch out': Rio Ferdinand says there's another young gem at Arsenal who Arteta has never used yet
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Arsenal have one of the best youth academies in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta has built a phenomenal squad at the Emirates and most of the players there have been brought in from elsewhere.
However, there are a few who have come from the academy and are doing incredibly well. Bukayo Saka is the obvious name and he’s a superstar, while Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have become household names now as well.
Soon, Arsenal could have another huge prospect bursting onto the senior setup, and Rio Ferdinand appears to be a fan of him.
| Arsenal stars produced by Hale End | Games played for Arsenal |
| Liam Brady | 293 |
| Tony Adams | 653 |
| Ashley Cole | 228 |
| Jack Wilshere | 197 |
| Emile Smith Rowe | 115 |
| Bukayo Saka | 250 |
Rio Ferdinand tells Arsenal fans to remember Max Dowman’s name
Max Dowman is arguably the most talented young player in Arsenal’s academy right now.
The Englishman, still only 15 years old, has caught the eye on several occasions already while playing for Arsenal’s U18s and U21s sides.
Hale has seen several excellent young players come through the ranks over the years, but Dowman is viewed by many as a ‘special’ talent and a future superstar.
Ferdinand was once a young prodigy himself, and he has played with and against some of the greatest players of all time.
The Manchester United legend knows a good young talent when he sees one, and he appears to have been blown away by young Dowman.
Speaking in a video on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, he said: “Where’s Max Dowman? Does anyone know Max Dowman? You know Max Dowman?
“Young kid. Watch out, remember that name!”
Who is Max Dowman?
Dowman is a versatile 15-year-old footballer who plays in the Arsenal Academy.
Naturally a central attacking midfielder, Dowman can play as a right-winger and also as a number eight. He is excellent on the ball, is a great dribbler and has scored a few really impressive goals for the youth sides.
When he was just 14 last season, Dowman played seven games for the Arsenal U18s team, scored two goals and provided five assists.
He averaged a direct goal contribution every 68.8 minutes, which is a stunning return for someone who was playing four years above his age group.
Dowman has been spotted in Arsenal’s first-team training sessions under Arteta. We won’t be surprised if he gets an opportunity with the senior side at some point in the next year.
