Micah Richards says he has spotted a problem for Max Dowman at Arsenal
Everyone is talking about Max Dowman since his brilliant performance for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup against Ipswich Town.
The 16-year-old was handed his first start of the season by Mikel Arteta, and he didn’t take long to impress. Dowman scored a fantastic brace to help the Gunners win the game.
Since then, there have been many calls for the youngster to keep his place in the side when Arsenal take on Brighton on Saturday.
Jamie O’Hara was against Dowman starting, and now, Micah Richards has highlighted the problem that will prevent the teenager from playing regularly.
Micah Richards explains why Max Dowman will not start regularly for Arsenal
Max Dowman is arguably the most exciting young player in the Premier League.
The Arsenal academy star is still only 16, but he is a household name already and has produced a few mind-blowing performances for the senior side.
Dowman’s brace against Ipswich showed that he is ready to compete with top-flight sides, but he may not get even a minute of game time against Brighton.
The reason? Richards thinks the players who play in his positions will block his path.
He said on the Rest is Football podcast: “Yeah, I would say it’s going to be difficult for him, because if you look at the positions where he wants to play number 10, or off the right, coming in, he’s got Saka and Odegaard, you know?
“He’s got captain and vice-captain, essentially, so he’s only really going to play when they’re injured, or the last 10 minutes, or 20 minutes of the game.”
Richards is not wrong with his assessment there, but Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard’s presence is not the only reason Dowman will not play regularly.
Everyone needs to remember that he is still only 16 years old. Arteta has repeatedly claimed that he will manage Dowman very carefully, refusing to play him when he’s not ready.
We’re sure the teenager will play more as he gains more experience, but as things stand, Arteta is absolutely right to be giving him the odd opportunity here and there.
Playing Dowman regularly in the Premier League and Champions League at such a young age could backfire and hamper his development. That is the last thing anyone needs.