Mikel Arteta hailed Max Dowman’s Arsenal debut as a “joy”.
Dowman made his debut for Arsenal on Saturday during the Gunners’ 5-0 win over Leeds United.
In doing so, the 15-year-old became the second youngest player in the club’s history after Ethan Nwaneri.
Dowman impressed during his 30-minute cameo and he won a penalty late on, which Viktor Gyokeres rifled into the bottom corner.
“Well, this is what we say every single day in training,” said Arteta, when asked about Dowman’s performance.
“And I think we just gathered information about how he handles certain situations in terms of training, being in the squad and not being selected afterwards in Manchester, coming on the bench and feeling ready.
“But again, a big compliment to his family. As well, I think they’ve raised a kid with a level of maturity, stability and hunger that is very difficult to see.
“And obviously, to the academy. Credit to all the coaches involved in that journey. Because there is a kid here that has zero hesitation.
“He’s so convinced that he can go at 15 and deliver that, which I’ve never witnessed in my life.
“And for us, it brings joy, it brings emotion and something else that makes our jobs so great.”
