What Thomas Tuchel has just decided to do could make Max Dowman even better for Arsenal
Max Dowman’s incredible performance midweek against Ipswich had the media raving.
The 16-year-old bagged a brace in the Carabao Cup and put on a display that had people debating whether he should be seriously considered for an England call-up.
However, Thomas Tuchel has ultimately deemed it too soon — understandably so. But Arsenal fans were baffled that he didn’t even make the U21s squad either, despite quite clearly being better than some of the names in there.
Instead, Dowman has been selected for England U19s who face Republic of Ireland next week. The squad will then travel to Spain for three games against Norway, USA and Belgium.
One player included in Tuchel’s senior squad could give Dowman some fire in his belly and make him even more determined to make an impression this season.
Rio Ngumoha’s England call-up gives Max Dowman a clear target to aim for
Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool’s highly-rated 18-year-old winger, has been called up to the senior England squad. Arsenal have been monitoring Ngumoha, who is one of the most exciting young wide players in the country.
However, Liverpool are confident of keeping Ngumoha and are working hard to tie him down to a new contract. The 18-year-old, who is two ‘school years’ older than Dowman, already has a senior cap to his name when he played for them in June, becoming the fifth youngest England debutant at 17 years and 281 days.
Dowman has to use this as fuel to motivate him. Tuchel has already shown that ultimately, if you are good enough, you are old enough. If he continues to impress in the opportunities he’s given, there’s no reason he can’t make it into the squad by the end of the season.
England have another couple of games in November, so if Dowman can impress by then and make the next squad, he could even potentially become the youngest debutant ever. Dowman, who doesn’t turn 17 until December, could become the first 16-year-old to play for England, breaking Theo Walcott’s record of 17 years and 75 days.
Tuchel’s decision to call up Ngumoha could well plant a seed in Dowman’s head and give him a clear achievable target to aim for. That extra motivation could make him even better.
Mikel Arteta promised Dowman his minutes would come if he earned them. He earned them against Ipswich and then some. Will he feature against Brighton at all? Time will tell, but Ngumoha’s call-up will make him want to get on and impress even more.