Arsenal fans blown away as 13-year-old wonderkid makes debut for Jack Wilshere's U18s team

Arsenal fans have been left stunned after a 13-year-old made his debut for the club's Under 18 side.

The Gunners have had a number of gems come through the ranks in recent years and Max Dowman might just be the next to add to the list if all goes well.

Dowman was thrown in at the deep end on Saturday, playing against opposition five years older than him. Arsenal beat Southampton 4-0, with Chidozie Obi-Martin scoring a hat-trick and Louis Zecevic-John getting on the scoresheet.

But in the second half, there was a huge moment when Dowman entered the fray. The midfielder, born in December 2009, has progressed through the ranks and normally represents the Under 15 side.

Image: Getty

But Dowman was rewarded by Under 18 boss Jack Wilshere, who was more than happy to give him the opportunity.

"We take a holistic view of the academy, pushing our players to excel," he said, as per Daily Cannon.

"Debut opportunities aren’t handed out lightly, and Max has demonstrated over the past few months that he deserves this chance. There are others on the verge of stepping up as well.

"He handled the moment admirably, sending an important message to the team that when we introduce players, they possess the quality to contribute effectively."

Dowman, who has is said to already have a deal with Adidas, has understandably created a lot of hype amongst Arsenal supporters.

Image: Getty

One wrote: "This kid has already eclipsed Ethan Nwaneri already?! He must be a lad talent!"

A second said: "I was playing runescape and my PSP at that age. What am I doing with my life."

A third added: "Hale end never fails to produce talent."

A fourth user commented: "Best in the country for giving youth a chance. But even then, that's crazy young."

A fifth joked: "And here I was watching Dragon Ball Z and playing cricket in the park as a 13yr old . And this kid just made his debut for Arsenal U18s at the same age. Unbelievable."

A sixth simply stated: "This is absurd."

Arsenal have given an Under 18 debut to players barely in their teens, as seen in goalkeeper Remy Mitchell getting the nod against Aston Villa in 2018.

And they also made Ethan Nwaneri the youngest player in Premier League history aged 15 years and 181 days old in September 2022.

Topics: Arsenal, Fan Reactions, Jack Wilshere, Premier League

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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