Mikel Arteta says 15-year-olds Max Dowman and Marli Salmon “took their chance” with “incredible” performances, as the pair made their senior debuts in Arsenal’s friendly against AC Milan in Singapore.
Midfielder Dowman, an England youth international, and defender Salmon came off the bench as Arsenal kicked-off their pre-season tour of Asia with a 1-0 win over Milan, settled by Bukayo Saka’s goal — although they lost a pre-arranged penalty shootout 6-5 after the match.
Defender Joshua Nichols, 18, was also a substitute, while Arteta handed debuts to summer signings Cristian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
“Very happy with all the kids,” the Spaniard said afterwards.
“I think they are able to play at that level at 15 years old in my opinion because of the environment and culture that is within the team.
“When somebody makes you feel so comfortable and so confident straightaway you can go and do it. At least it gives you the best chance and then you have to have the qualities this kid has to deliver against opposition like this.
“It’s very good (for the future). There is a lot of work in our academy of the coaches, people involved and it is a moment to give opportunities and reward them. They certainly took their chance today in difficult circumstances against a very big team. Incredible how at 15 years old they can perform at that level.”
There is a buzz about Dowman, who is the youngest player ever to score in a UEFA Youth League game when he netted for Arsenal’s Under-18s, aged 14, in a 4-1 defeat to their Atalanta counterparts in September 2024.
Asked what the plan for the teenager would be this season, Arteta said: “We don’t know with all the young kids. At the end they are in and around the team constantly and they getting used to the dynamics and the demands.
“And especially raising the physical levels because the demands they need to perform and impact at the level is really high physical standards. They are getting there and that gives them a good platform and they will have to earn it.”
Defenders Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes missed the game through injury.
“With Jurrien, he is still not there. He is still not fully training yet with us,” Arteta said.
“Gabby had a little niggle the other day in training. Because the fact that he has been out so long as well we have to manage him. We have been in Spain, different pitch, different conditions, go to the UK, different ones, come here, again a lot of changes. We have to minimise the risk with him.”
(Photo: Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
