Max Dowman: Mad Max

[Geofranco]

I've actually seen a few people say Dowman lacks power which is hilarious given he's completely rinsed PL players and earned penalties doing so - not just off of his tech but his ability to just surge past players. He's a complete dribbler, so much so that you don't even really get to see how deep his passing bag is. That's the part that's gonna surprise people.

If there's one area I think Dowman could improve on actually, it would be his shooting. He does score a lot of goals, but very often because he's often shooting on the run, he doesn't generate as much power on the shot at the end of his dribbles and sometimes they end up being saveable daisy-cutters rather than rasping drives. He can obviously shoot but he needs to improve the consistency of his shooting. It's probably the main area where a talent like Ethan has him beat, but the latter is just second-guessing intention so far this season. A usual hallmark of 2nd season syndrome so I expect that to change aswell.

I'd say Nwaneri is the more natural goal scorer and has a better shooting technique. Also Nwaneri's first touch might be slightly better too. I'd rather Nwaneri be developed into an Aguero type of player rather than an Ødegaard type of player. Let Dowman develop into a Robben+Bale mix lol.

 

[MutableEarth]

I'd say Nwaneri is the more natural goal scorer and has a better shooting technique. Also Nwaneri's first touch might be slightly better too. I'd rather Nwaneri be developed into an Aguero type of player rather than an Ødegaard type of player. Let Dowman develop into a Robben+Bale mix lol.

See I don't think I would develop Dowman into a wide player a la Robben/Bale either tbh - at least not now anyway. It would certainly concentrate some of his more noticeable qualities but in an Arsenal team that currently doesn't give their wide players as much freedom in the age of positional play, we risk stifling him quite a bit - not least in terms of a sustained impact on a game (something Arsenal really struggle with in terms of platforming their better players - at all levels!).

I agree completely on Ethan though, I think while he has the capacity to play that advanced 8 role earmarked for Ødegaard, his game is a lot riskier, more direct and his instincts are more that of a forward than a deeper-lying player. He could play Jesus' current role in the squad with not much issue IMO. It really is only the OOP work that would disqualify him, and I do think that he's lost a bit of his timing that he had before his loan but he'll get that back. Nwaneri false 9 is for me the natural evolution of his game, at least in an Arsenal context. Today's second strikers have to remodel their games in a way that classic #10s have to aswell. That means you're either a winger, a striker or an 8. Nwaneri for me works as a striker just off the sheer ability to finish above his xG so far in his young career. In any other era, he'd have been the little guy in a 2-man.

Dowman on the other hand, a more classic #10, would get far more leverage as an advanced #8. He can play on the wing and do amazingly but he's a player I want dominating the middle phase for the same reason that I think Lewis-Skelly needs to be moved away from LB permanently and back into midfield. You can't have guys like them on the periphery at any point, they need to be the centre of the team. Ability to absorb pressure, ability to take players out of the game with both a dribble or a pass and backed by a highly competitive nature. The only thing stopping them from doing this is Arteta's fraught relationship with risk being a dominant theme throughout this team. High risk might mean high reward but it's still high risk. Rice/Zubi/Ødegaard (Ode to a much lesser extent) are players who at their sharpest are good at assessing risk in-game. They'll play a high percentage pass to keep up the pressure rather than going for the jugular every time. It makes them quite predictable but it also makes us more secure for larger period of the game.

 

[Geofranco]

See I don't think I would develop Dowman into a wide player a la Robben/Bale either tbh - at least not now anyway. It would certainly concentrate some of his more noticeable qualities but in an Arsenal team that currently doesn't give their wide players as much freedom in the age of positional play, we risk stifling him quite a bit - not least in terms of a sustained impact on a game (something Arsenal really struggle with in terms of platforming their better players - at all levels!).

I agree completely on Ethan though, I think while he has the capacity to play that advanced 8 role earmarked for Ødegaard, his game is a lot riskier, more direct and his instincts are more that of a forward than a deeper-lying player. He could play Jesus' current role in the squad with not much issue IMO. It really is only the OOP work that would disqualify him, and I do think that he's lost a bit of his timing that he had before his loan but he'll get that back. Nwaneri false 9 is for me the natural evolution of his game, at least in an Arsenal context. Today's second strikers have to remodel their games in a way that classic #10s have to aswell. That means you're either a winger, a striker or an 8. Nwaneri for me works as a striker just off the sheer ability to finish above his xG so far in his young career. In any other era, he'd have been the little guy in a 2-man.

Dowman on the other hand, a more classic #10, would get far more leverage as an advanced #8. He can play on the wing and do amazingly but he's a player I want dominating the middle phase for the same reason that I think Lewis-Skelly needs to be moved away from LB permanently and back into midfield. You can't have guys like them on the periphery at any point, they need to be the centre of the team. Ability to absorb pressure, ability to take players out of the game with both a dribble or a pass and backed by a highly competitive nature. The only thing stopping them from doing this is Arteta's fraught relationship with risk being a dominant theme throughout this team. High risk might mean high reward but it's still high risk. Rice/Zubi/Ødegaard (Ode to a much lesser extent) are players who at their sharpest are good at assessing risk in-game. They'll play a high percentage pass to keep up the pressure rather than going for the jugular every time. It makes them quite predictable but it also makes us more secure for larger period of the game.

I was thinking more about the Bale before he left for Madrid. He played more of a free role in that last season with Sp**s when he went ballistic. Max actually reminds me a bit of Robben with his movement and dribbling, I don't really see Kaka when I watch him play. I see Zidane, Robben, Bale and even Reus. People forget how talented Marco Reus was because his career was ruined by injuries.

 

[Gooner Zig]

If there's one area I think Dowman could improve on actually, it would be his shooting. He does score a lot of goals, but very often because he's often shooting on the run, he doesn't generate as much power on the shot at the end of his dribbles and sometimes they end up being saveable daisy-cutters rather than rasping drives.

I actually thought he was really unlucky to walk away from Mansfield without a goal. Their keeper made some really (annoyingly) good saves not only from Dowman but from our other players as well. We had to hit two worldies to beat the dude. If you watch it again, the save that he makes from Dowman when he wins the ball high is top notch and then there's the save after Max's mazy run; another top save. The only critique I had with his shooting in this game was the cut back from Tross; he just messed up the connection and hit it straight at the keeper.

 

[Gooner Zig]

One thing I'll say about Max is that there should be no fear in terms of using this kid for the rest of the season. He's shown he's clearly ready to impact games at the highest levels imo. We should view him as a trump card in the same way Ethan and Myles were last season. He's just an unknown quantity at the highest level and we can use that to our advantage.

 

[Bogart]

If we weren’t concerned about his health or wellbeing and played him religiously this season, I’m fairly sure this lad would be clear upgrade on our first team. Pure natural footballer, like cala, or saka, or Ekitike except probably another level above. Have to look after him tho

 

[MutableEarth]

I actually thought he was really unlucky to walk away from Mansfield without a goal. Their keeper made some really (annoyingly) good saves not only from Dowman but from our other players as well. We had to hit two worldies to beat the dude. If you watch it again, the save that he makes from Dowman when he wins the ball high is top notch and then there's the save after Max's mazy run; another top save. The only critique I had with his shooting in this game was the cut back from Tross; he just messed up the connection and hit it straight at the keeper.

Oh yeah, by no means was his shooting bad really, he was unlucky at the weekend. Considering how good he is at everything else, it's an area that could do with some time put in.

 

[Bloodbather]

From what I've seen of them so far, I'd look at Max as a CM/AM and Ethan as a RW/False Nine.

 

[2Smokeyy]

Oh yeah, by no means was his shooting bad really, he was unlucky at the weekend. Considering how good he is at everything else, it's an area that could do with some time put in.

You asked, he delivered:



I think he’ll deliver if we start giving him more opportunities to show what he’s about. Similar with Rio at Pool, he should be starting for them as he’s their best LW option.

 

[GunnerBP]

Since Mansfield, I've been thinking a lot about what Dowman's future role/position could be, and a strange idea keeps on popping up. I kind of think he could become an elite CF.

I know he doesn't play that position at all, but neither did Havertz. Dowman is already 6 feet tall, and he's not done growing. If he grows a couple more inches and adds muscle he could be the ideal physique for a CF.

Also, we already have Saka and Madueke at RW, and Saka isn't going anywhere and I wouldn't be surprised if Madueke was here for a while too. At AM we have Ødegaard and Nwaneri, and Merino, Eze, and Havertz can also play AM. I don't think Dowman should play LW. That position doesn't suit his game.

This season and next season, I'd expect him to mostly get minutes a RW and AM, but if he keeps on growing I think he has a decent shot at becoming a generational CF for us.

His technique is incredible, and he should have no problem beating his man. He can obviously control the ball and link up with his teammates. Frankly, these are two things that Gyokeres still struggles to do.

Additionally, since he knows how to play midfield, he'll have no problem dropping into midfield and playing like a false 9. This could also showcase his passing. Saka, Eze, and Nwaneri could attack the space he vacates, and Dowman could play the through ball.

He could become a better version of Havertz.

Also, I think Dowman's finishing is pretty good already. Yes, he should have scored some goals by now, but he's used to playing against youth team keepers. He's putting the ball where he usually needs to put the ball to score, but his technique isn't bad. He'll be able to make that adjustment as he gets more minutes and experience. His finishing is very good for a 16yo.

I don't think it is farfetched to see us have an all English attack in a season or two that is Saka at RW, Nwaneri at AM, Eze at LW, and Dowman at CF. This might be the best way for all of these Hale End players to play together.

 

[Trilly]

You asked, he delivered:



I think he’ll deliver if we start giving him more opportunities to show what he’s about. Similar with Rio at Pool, he should be starting for them as he’s their best LW option.

Look at Noni trying to scam a win, scumbag

Yeah I think when a player is as naturally talented + understands the game + is this young then them improving on certain weaknesses is pretty much a given.

 

[Clrnc]

Since Mansfield, I've been thinking a lot about what Dowman's future role/position could be, and a strange idea keeps on popping up. I kind of think he could become an elite CF.

I know he doesn't play that position at all, but neither did Havertz. Dowman is already 6 feet tall, and he's not done growing. If he grows a couple more inches and adds muscle he could be the ideal physique for a CF.

Also, we already have Saka and Madueke at RW, and Saka isn't going anywhere and I wouldn't be surprised if Madueke was here for a while too. At AM we have Ødegaard and Nwaneri, and Merino, Eze, and Havertz can also play AM. I don't think Dowman should play LW. That position doesn't suit his game.

This season and next season, I'd expect him to mostly get minutes a RW and AM, but if he keeps on growing I think he has a decent shot at becoming a generational CF for us.

His technique is incredible, and he should have no problem beating his man. He can obviously control the ball and link up with his teammates. Frankly, these are two things that Gyokeres still struggles to do.

Additionally, since he knows how to play midfield, he'll have no problem dropping into midfield and playing like a false 9. This could also showcase his passing. Saka, Eze, and Nwaneri could attack the space he vacates, and Dowman could play the through ball.

He could become a better version of Havertz.

Also, I think Dowman's finishing is pretty good already. Yes, he should have scored some goals by now, but he's used to playing against youth team keepers. He's putting the ball where he usually needs to put the ball to score, but his technique isn't bad. He'll be able to make that adjustment as he gets more minutes and experience. His finishing is very good for a 16yo.

I don't think it is farfetched to see us have an all English attack in a season or two that is Saka at RW, Nwaneri at AM, Eze at LW, and Dowman at CF. This might be the best way for all of these Hale End players to play together.

You are basically thinking of Messi at false 9

 

[Bogart]

Since Mansfield, I've been thinking a lot about what Dowman's future role/position could be, and a strange idea keeps on popping up. I kind of think he could become an elite CF.

I know he doesn't play that position at all, but neither did Havertz. Dowman is already 6 feet tall, and he's not done growing. If he grows a couple more inches and adds muscle he could be the ideal physique for a CF.

Also, we already have Saka and Madueke at RW, and Saka isn't going anywhere and I wouldn't be surprised if Madueke was here for a while too. At AM we have Ødegaard and Nwaneri, and Merino, Eze, and Havertz can also play AM. I don't think Dowman should play LW. That position doesn't suit his game.

This season and next season, I'd expect him to mostly get minutes a RW and AM, but if he keeps on growing I think he has a decent shot at becoming a generational CF for us.

His technique is incredible, and he should have no problem beating his man. He can obviously control the ball and link up with his teammates. Frankly, these are two things that Gyokeres still struggles to do.

Additionally, since he knows how to play midfield, he'll have no problem dropping into midfield and playing like a false 9. This could also showcase his passing. Saka, Eze, and Nwaneri could attack the space he vacates, and Dowman could play the through ball.

He could become a better version of Havertz.

Also, I think Dowman's finishing is pretty good already. Yes, he should have scored some goals by now, but he's used to playing against youth team keepers. He's putting the ball where he usually needs to put the ball to score, but his technique isn't bad. He'll be able to make that adjustment as he gets more minutes and experience. His finishing is very good for a 16yo.

I don't think it is farfetched to see us have an all English attack in a season or two that is Saka at RW, Nwaneri at AM, Eze at LW, and Dowman at CF. This might be the best way for all of these Hale End players to play

I’ve thought his future could be there for a while. Depends on how he develops physically. I don’t particularly want him in a proper midfield position as I think it would be too constraining for him. He needs license to run at people and link in more isolated spaces for me.

For the time being RW with some appearances at 8/10 is fine

 

[GunnerBP]

You are basically thinking of Messi at false 9

Yeah, but Dowman would also be able to do CF stuff because he'd be taller than 6 feet. Also, I'm not saying that Dowman would be better than Messi, just that he could have the profile to play CF and false 9.

 

[db10fan]

You are basically thinking of Messi at false 9

Dowman at 9 will be more like jvp regen, great if thats what he grows to be, imo he has the talents to be elite at RW, 10 or 9.

 

[db10fan]

Since Mansfield, I've been thinking a lot about what Dowman's future role/position could be, and a strange idea keeps on popping up. I kind of think he could become an elite CF.

I know he doesn't play that position at all, but neither did Havertz. Dowman is already 6 feet tall, and he's not done growing. If he grows a couple more inches and adds muscle he could be the ideal physique for a CF.

Also, we already have Saka and Madueke at RW, and Saka isn't going anywhere and I wouldn't be surprised if Madueke was here for a while too. At AM we have Ødegaard and Nwaneri, and Merino, Eze, and Havertz can also play AM. I don't think Dowman should play LW. That position doesn't suit his game.

This season and next season, I'd expect him to mostly get minutes a RW and AM, but if he keeps on growing I think he has a decent shot at becoming a generational CF for us.

His technique is incredible, and he should have no problem beating his man. He can obviously control the ball and link up with his teammates. Frankly, these are two things that Gyokeres still struggles to do.

Additionally, since he knows how to play midfield, he'll have no problem dropping into midfield and playing like a false 9. This could also showcase his passing. Saka, Eze, and Nwaneri could attack the space he vacates, and Dowman could play the through ball.

He could become a better version of Havertz.

Also, I think Dowman's finishing is pretty good already. Yes, he should have scored some goals by now, but he's used to playing against youth team keepers. He's putting the ball where he usually needs to put the ball to score, but his technique isn't bad. He'll be able to make that adjustment as he gets more minutes and experience. His finishing is very good for a 16yo.

I don't think it is farfetched to see us have an all English attack in a season or two that is Saka at RW, Nwaneri at AM, Eze at LW, and Dowman at CF. This might be the best way for all of these Hale End players to play together.

Imo Dowman may become a jvp regen if coaches decide to try him at 9, talented enough to be elite at RW, 10, or 9.

 

[Clrnc]

Dowman at 9 will be more like jvp regen, great if thats what he grows to be, imo he has the talents to be elite at RW, 10 or 9.

At first I thought you were saying James Ward Prowse

 

[HollandGooner]

Since Mansfield, I've been thinking a lot about what Dowman's future role/position could be, and a strange idea keeps on popping up. I kind of think he could become an elite CF.

I know he doesn't play that position at all, but neither did Havertz. Dowman is already 6 feet tall, and he's not done growing. If he grows a couple more inches and adds muscle he could be the ideal physique for a CF.

Also, we already have Saka and Madueke at RW, and Saka isn't going anywhere and I wouldn't be surprised if Madueke was here for a while too. At AM we have Ødegaard and Nwaneri, and Merino, Eze, and Havertz can also play AM. I don't think Dowman should play LW. That position doesn't suit his game.

This season and next season, I'd expect him to mostly get minutes a RW and AM, but if he keeps on growing I think he has a decent shot at becoming a generational CF for us.

His technique is incredible, and he should have no problem beating his man. He can obviously control the ball and link up with his teammates. Frankly, these are two things that Gyokeres still struggles to do.

Additionally, since he knows how to play midfield, he'll have no problem dropping into midfield and playing like a false 9. This could also showcase his passing. Saka, Eze, and Nwaneri could attack the space he vacates, and Dowman could play the through ball.

He could become a better version of Havertz.

Also, I think Dowman's finishing is pretty good already. Yes, he should have scored some goals by now, but he's used to playing against youth team keepers. He's putting the ball where he usually needs to put the ball to score, but his technique isn't bad. He'll be able to make that adjustment as he gets more minutes and experience. His finishing is very good for a 16yo.

I don't think it is farfetched to see us have an all English attack in a season or two that is Saka at RW, Nwaneri at AM, Eze at LW, and Dowman at CF. This might be the best way for all of these Hale End players to play together.

I like your post but playing him as a CF would be such a waste of his qualities. he should be at 10.

 

[lomekian]

I like your post but playing him as a CF would be such a waste of his qualities. he should be at 10.

To be fair, if he keeps developing at the rate he has, he should be allowed to go wherever on the pitch he wants by the time he's 19/20...

 

[grange]

Tag me when he scores a goal