We called him to the first-team because we believe he’ll add quality needed in that particular position”: Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has promoted an academy star who’s regarded as the next Lionel Messi to the club first-team due to lack of quality in ONE position.

 

We called him to the first-team because we believe he’ll add quality needed in that particular position”: Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has promoted an academy star who’s regarded as the next Lionel Messi to the club first-team due to lack of quality in ONE position. I REALLY HOPE THIS GUY GIVE US THE QUALITY WE REALLY NEED IN THAT POSITION.

In light of Arsenal’s current injury challenges, manager Mikel Arteta has turned to the club’s esteemed Hale End academy for reinforcements. During a recent press conference, Arteta announced the promotion of 15-year-old prodigy Max Dowman to first-team training. Dowman, often hailed as the “next Lionel Messi” due to his exceptional dribbling and playmaking abilities, has been integrated into the senior squad to address the shortage in attacking options.

Arteta expressed his confidence in Dowman’s potential impact, stating, “We called him to the first team because we believe he’ll add the quality needed in that particular position.” This move comes as Arsenal contends with injuries to key forwards, including Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus.

However, despite Dowman’s evident talent, Premier League regulations prevent players under the age of 16 from being included in matchday squads. As a result, while Dowman can train with the first team, he remains ineligible for official league matches until he reaches the required age. This rule underscores the challenges clubs face when integrating exceptionally young talents into competitive fixtures.

In the interim, Arteta is exploring alternative solutions to bolster the attack. Notably, center-back William Saliba has volunteered to play as a forward to alleviate the team’s offensive deficiencies. Arteta acknowledged Saliba’s offer, highlighting the player’s versatility and team-first mentality. Additionally, the club is considering the possibility of signing a free agent to provide immediate reinforcement in the forward line.

As Arsenal prepares for their upcoming fixture against Leicester City, the team is focused on adapting to these challenges. The promotion of young talents like Dowman exemplifies the club’s commitment to nurturing future stars, even as they navigate the complexities of league regulations and immediate teVam needs.