M. Arteta: 'M. Dowman has a personality and bravery that cannot be taught.'

2025-11-05 10:45 © AFP

The head coach of London’s Arsenal club, Mikel Arteta, praised 15-year-old Max Dowman and midfielder Mikel Merino, who scored twice, after the victory with a score of 3:0 against Prague’s Slavia:

"We are pleased to have M. Merino on the team. The Spaniard's versatility on the field and the things he can do... his mentality, leadership, and the kind of person he is.”

"He came to the Champions League as a forward, being completely out of his position... and scored two goals.”

"What M. Dowman did on the field when he came off the bench, started dribbling, and drew a foul. This is personality, this is courage that cannot be taught.”

You either have it, or you don’t. It doesn’t matter what his age says... he is ready to try and adapt.”

15-year-old Max Dowman has played five matches this season.