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Football Insider

The Rise of Max Dowman: A Star in the Making at Arsenal

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard praises the impact of Max Dowman, the teenage sensation who made history with a record-breaking goal against Everton. Odegaard highlights Dowman's composure and talent, emphasizing that this is just the beginning of a promising career for the wonderkid.

The Rise of Max Dowman: A Star in the Making at Arsenal

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has hailed the impact of Max Dowman after the teenager’s record-breaking goal against Everton, insisting the youngster's composure comes as no surprise to those at the club. The Norwegian international, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, offered sage advice to the academy graduate as the Gunners continue their charge toward the Premier League title.Odegaard has expressed his delight at the emergence of Dowman, who made history during Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Everton. The 16-year-old came off the bench to replace Martin Zubimendi and effectively ended the contest with a composed finish in stoppage time, becoming the youngest scorer in Premier League history at just 16 years and 73 days old. The goal came shortly after his vital role in Viktor Gyokeres' late opening goal.Speaking on the victory that saw Arsenal extend their lead at the top of the table, Odegaard said: "That was a very special end to the game against Everton on Saturday. It was another important win, and for Viktor and Max to come off the bench and score the goals at the end shows us what we’ve been speaking about all season, about how everyone is stepping up and playing their part, whether they start the game or not. What a moment that was for Max! You could see from the celebrations what it meant to everyone – coaches, players, supporters. It was something he will never forget, and neither will we!"While the football world was stunned by the teenager's solo run and finish into an empty net after Jordan Pickford had gone up for a corner, Odegaard insists the senior squad have long been aware of Dowman's high ceiling. The captain noted that the youngster has been a regular fixture in first-team training sessions, where he has consistently held his own against established international stars."The way he kept his composure wasn’t a surprise to me. We’ve trained with him for a long time already, he shows us his qualities whenever he plays, so it was great for him to get his first goal and break the record," Odegaard explained. However, the 27-year-old was quick to add a cautionary note, drawing from his own experiences as a teenage prodigy: "He knows it should be just the start for him and he needs to keep working how he has been."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingOdegaard also provided an update on his own fitness as he nears a return from a knee injury sustained against Brentford. The midfielder has missed the last five matches but is working tirelessly to be fit for the business end of the season, including a blockbuster Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on the horizon."Again, I was so disappointed not to be involved in the game. I’m working hard to be back as soon as I can, and I’m feeling stronger all the time," Odegaard confirmed. 

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The Record-Breaking Goal

Max Dowman's historic goal against Everton not only sealed a crucial victory for Arsenal but also cemented his name in Premier League history books. At just 16 years and 73 days old, Dowman became the youngest scorer in the league, showcasing his remarkable talent and composure under pressure.

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Odegaard's Endorsement

Martin Odegaard, Arsenal's captain, has spoken glowingly of Dowman's abilities, noting that the senior squad has long been aware of the youngster's potential. Odegaard highlighted Dowman's consistent performances in training sessions against established stars, indicating that the teenager's success was no surprise to those within the club.

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A Promising Future

Despite the excitement surrounding Dowman's breakthrough moment, Odegaard emphasized that this is just the start for the young talent. Drawing from his own experiences as a prodigy, Odegaard stressed the importance of continued hard work and development for Dowman to fulfill his potential and make a lasting impact at Arsenal.

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Odegaard's Injury Update

While celebrating Dowman's success, Odegaard also provided an update on his own recovery from a knee injury. The midfielder expressed his eagerness to return to the pitch and contribute to Arsenal's campaign, especially with key fixtures like the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on the horizon.

Published on Mar 17, 2026