Neil Warnock Cautions Arsenal Over Rising Star Max Dowman

Arsenal teen sensation Max Dowman sparks headlines, but Warnock cautions against fast-tracking talent without strong guidance and maturity.

Veteran manager Neil Warnock has issued a heartfelt cautions to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta regarding the meteoric rise of 15-year-old sensation Max Dowman. As the teenager dazzles fans and pundits alike during Arsenal’s pre-season tour, Warnock’s message is clear: talent must be nurtured with care, not rushed into the spotlight.

Max Dowman has become the talk of Arsenal’s summer campaign, impressing with his fearless performances and technical flair. His standout moment came against Newcastle in Singapore, where a dazzling run earned a late penalty that sealed a 3–2 victory for the Gunners.

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Having joined first-team training at just 14 due to an injury crisis, Dowman is now a regular presence in Arteta’s squad and could be on the cusp of a Premier League debut.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Neil Warnock praised Dowman’s talent but cautioned against overwhelming the youngster with fame and expectations too soon.

“If you’re good enough, you’re old enough,” Warnock said, “but you’ve got to be careful with kids. It goes to their heads. They read the papers, they get big cars if they’re not careful. They need good guidance at that age”.

Warnock drew parallels with former prodigy John Bostock, whose early promise at Crystal Palace was never fully realized after a premature move to Tottenham. He emphasized the importance of environment and mentorship in shaping a young player’s career.

Arteta, meanwhile, expressed confidence in the support system surrounding Dowman after Newcastle win. “What he’s done today against this team in the time that he had on the pitch is something certainly not common to witness for a 15-year-old,” Arteta said. He credited Dowman’s family and Arsenal’s academy staff for creating a nurturing environment that gives the teenager a “real chance” to succeed.

Warnock’s warning serves as a timely reminder of the delicate balance between opportunity and pressure. While Dowman’s talent is undeniable, Arsenal must tread carefully to ensure his development remains steady and grounded.

With comparisons already being drawn to stars like Lamine Yamal, the club faces the challenge of shielding Dowman from hype while allowing his potential to flourish.