Gilberto Silva Verdict on Arsenal Star Max Dowman
Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva has revealed he has been stunned by the development of teenage sensation Max Dowman this season, while speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT.
The Gunners have had a fantastic start to the season so far, sitting top of the Premier League table after seven games, while also winning both of their Champions League games. This is despite the club signing eight new players during the summer transfer window.
But the big story of the season so far has been the involvement of talented 15-year-old Dowman, who made his Premier League debut in the win over Leeds United, where he came off the substitutes’ bench to win a penalty and dazzled in a 5-0 win.
Gilberto: Arsenal must protect Dowman
Dowman has been described by many as one of the best young talents in Europe, and following his debut, Mikel Arteta also signed the teenager as a late substitute at Anfield as they chased a goal, while he also faced Port Vale in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Gilberto was speaking at the Portuguese Football Summit in Lisbon, and he met GIVEMESPORT correspondents Ben Jacobs and Paul Gilmour, who asked him what he thought of the youngster – and the Invincibles midfielder admitted he was “impressed” by what he saw.
“Max Dowman, wow. I saw him in pre-season.
“You know what I really like, with these young players, that kind of personality. No matter how young they are, they play with personality. Don’t be afraid or afraid to try things, to dribble, to pass, to try something different with their abilities.
“It’s very important to build their confidence, but it’s also important to give them time.”
Dowman has found himself on the bench in both Champions League matches so far this season, but has not played, while Arteta has protected him from playing too much in the first team.
The former Brazil international admits it is a good thing for the player and shows the club are doing the right thing, and urged fans and media not to put too much pressure on the young prodigy despite his obvious talent.
“Don’t put too much pressure on them. Help them with the pressure, because if you play football, no matter where you are, you are under pressure. It doesn’t matter if you are young or a senior player, you are always under pressure to perform when you put on the jersey.
“But the job of the manager, of the club, of the senior players, is to give these young talents the support they need to perform and not get distracted from what’s around them.”
Dowman is currently on international duty with the England Under-19 team despite being only 15, and will hope to get back into the mix with Arsenal when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage in their next match.