Max Dowman joins Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly in showing Arsenal’s Hale End academy is their biggest asset

Max Dowman became the Premier League’s second-youngest player aged 15 years and 235 days against Leeds, behind only fellow Hale End graduate Ethan Nwaneri; Arsenal’s academy has helped the club develop one of the most valuable squads in the world

The Emirates Stadium crackled with anticipation every time the ball arrived at the feet of Max Dowman. As in Arsenal’s pre-season games, his team-mates made a concerted effort to put it there. It is easy to understand why. The 15-year-old is a special talent.

Dowman became the second-youngest player in Premier League history with his introduction against Leeds, a huge achievement in itself. But most remarkable is that, as well as being Arsenal’s youngest player, he once again looked their most dangerous.