Max Dowman's character stands out as former coach delivers Arsenal prospect verdict

Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman's behaviour has set him apart from his academy team-mates since his early days at the club. The 15-year-old has emerged as a breakout star during the Gunners' pre-season campaign, capturing attention despite his tender age.

The creative midfielder is the only unproven youngster in Mikel Arteta's pre-season group to feature across all three summer friendlies. Dowman made his senior bow in a victory over AC Milan before catching the eye against Newcastle United and earning the decisive spot-kick.

He replaced Bukayo Saka during Arsenal's recent north London derby loss to Tottenham Hotspur and Dowman's conduct has mirrored that of the Hale End academy product. Ex-Arsenal academy coach Temisan Williams, who previously coached Dowman, recalled an exchange that epitomised the teenager's character.

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"When I left Arsenal, Max was one of the few players who personally said to me, 'Thank you for everything you've done for me, how you've helped me, what I've learned from you and I wish you all the best,'" Williams told Sky Sports. "I always remember this – and these behaviours are recognised by coaches in players."

"He was just a very measured young man, definitely mature beyond his years, even when you were talking with him one-on-one. Whenever you're talking to him, he'd look into your eyes and he'd really want to understand.

"'What is it that you want me to know, what is it you want me to do, how are you going to help me, how is this going to help my development?'"

Dowman has evidently taken the guidance from his coaches on board as he continues to excel beyond his age-group, having been called up to first team training in November. Last season, he notched up an impressive 15 goals in as many league matches for Arsenal under-18s and etched his name into history as the youngest goal scorer in the U19 UEFA Youth League at just 14 years old

Yet, it's not only Dowman's knack for finding the back of the net or his skillful dribbling that has caught the attention; his attitude towards fellow players particularly struck Williams. This attribute has undoubtedly played a part in his seamless transition to senior-level football.

"He was a brilliant team-mate," Williams recalled. "I always look at when things are going wrong in development football – when things aren't coming off for players and they're maybe frustrated, losing, all that type of stuff.

"I'd look at Max's reaction, he would always be encouraging his team-mates. You'd never see him dig out a player in a very rash way or complain at players. I'm sure if you asked anyone who's trained and played with him through the academy, they'd probably echo the same sentiments."

Last season, Arsenal boss Arteta demonstrated his readiness to bring academy talents into his squad, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri becoming regulars in the first team. Dowman is part of the pre-season line-up, alongside 15-year-old Marli Salmon, 17-year-old forward Andre Harriman-Annous and other young talents, marking the latest wave of academy stars on the brink of a breakthrough.

Reflecting on Dowman's performance against Newcastle, Arteta said: "It is special. What he's done today against this team in the time that he had on the pitch, it is something certainly not common to witness for a 15-year-old. We are extremely happy to have him."

Whether Dowman will continue to train with the senior team once the season kicks off remains uncertain, given his limited experience at Premier League 2 level. However, his former coach Williams has no doubts about the heights Dowman could reach in the future.

"Champions League, World Cup, Premier League," Williams predicted. "He's got all the capabilities; he's got the mentality. Mikel Arteta wouldn't bring him into the fold at that age if he didn't."