Champions League history-maker benefits from the growing focus on youth and the club’s fast-track strategy. Any doubts Mikel Arteta had about Max Dowman’s readiness for the big stage were quickly dispelled on Tuesday night. Dowman, the first 15-year-old to play in the Champions League, replaced Leandro Trossard in the 72nd minute against Slavia Prague. He received the ball on the right flank from Declan Rice and immediately drew a foul from David Zima. Moments later, he showcased his skill again by controlling a long diagonal pass and expertly dragging the ball along the touchline despite defensive pressure.
“That’s personality, that’s courage and you cannot teach that,” Arteta remarked. “You have it or you don’t. It doesn’t matter what his passport says. You put him in this situation and he adapts and performs well. I’m really pleased with that.”
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