'Need to give him time' - Martin Odegaard urges caution over Max Dowman but admits Arsenal wonderkid can be 'great player for us'

Dowman was fast-tracked into Mikel Arteta’s first-team set-up after his assured showings in pre-season. The 15-year-old midfielder won a penalty in Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Newcastle United and looked composed against AC Milan in Singapore. His emergence has sparked excitement among fans, with some even comparing him to Lionel Messi. Odegaard, however, has urged that the teen sensation needs to be treated with patience.

Speaking on the Men In Blazers podcast, Odegaard said: “He’s a top player, top talent, and I think everyone has seen it now in pre-season, what he’s done.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him and create too much of expectations around him, but we just need to give him time to be himself, to grow and learn. Everyone can see the quality. The key thing for us is to help him, support him and make sure he can take it in his own way and his own time. I’m sure he’s going to be a great player for us.

“Life can change really quickly when you get into the first team, so I think I can use that experience to give them some advice here and there. Telling them to stay focused, work hard and to keep your focus where it has to be. When you come through at a young age, there’s going to be a lot of expectations and a lot of hype, but you need to stay focused and keep enjoying your football.”

Dowman is the latest Hale End graduate tipped for stardom following the rise of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly last season. Arsenal are weighing how best to manage his development, with Arteta keen to introduce him gradually. The 15-year-old will also juggle his football with sitting his GCSEs next spring.

Arsenal remain focused on ending their long wait for a Premier League title after three consecutive runner-up finishes. Dowman is unlikely to be a regular fixture yet, but Arteta is expected to hand him more opportunities in cup competitions. Supporters will be eager to see how quickly the teenager develops under captain Odegaard’s guidance.