'He's a freak' - Paul Merson in shock at what he's seen of Max Dowman at Arsenal
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Credit: Imago/Sky Sports
Jack Heath
Sun 31 August 2025 8:30, UK
Paul Merson has been amazed by what he has seen from Max Dowman at Arsenal as the 15-year-old continues to play beyond his years.
The young Englishman has been impressing since Mikel Arteta entrusted him with more game time after Dowman made his Premier League debut for Arsenal against Leeds.
The 15-year-old became the second youngest player to debut in the English top-flight with fans and pundits waxing lyrical about his potential.
However, Dowman is facing potential Champions League registration issues that the Gunners will look to resolve before the start of the illustrious continental tournament.
Ex-Aston Villa midfielder Merson has been stunned by what he has witnessed so far from the wonderkid as he spoke about his potential on Sky Sports.
Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (30 August, 1.04pm), the former Gunner was raving about the talented winger.
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Merson tipped Dowman for an excellent career, stating: “You don’t want to put too much pressure on that lad, he’s 15.
“But these players come along once in a blue moon.
You’ve got to picture he’s 15 years of age, he’s still at school and he’s playing in the hardest league in the wold and doing this kind of stuff…
“It’s different now.
This kid’s got to be the best in the world at his position…
“This kid is a freak, I mean that in the most respectable way, he’s a freak.”
Credit: Imago
Football Insider verdict
Understandably, the red part of north London is over the moon with their exciting young prodigy and will be with immense joy to see him regularly play in the first team.
However, there are many factors for Dowman to overcome before fair opinions can be formed of the 15-year-old given his young age.
Firstly, his body is still developing and changing as he currently a very skinny and slender build which could see defenders bully him off the ball.
Premier League 2024-25Max DowmanAppearances1Minutes played26Goals0Assists1 (from penalty)(Source: Sofascore)
His quick feet and speed is awesome, but should a tough left-back be able to shove him off the ball then the teenager could be left in a heap on the ground.
Secondly, Bukayo Saka’s injury will see the right-winger pick up more minutes than first anticipated, which could throw him into the deep end a bit too soon.
Yet, from what we’ve seen of Dowman, he has risen to the occasion thus far and has the makings of a wonderful wide man moving forward.