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Declan Rice sends message to Max Dowman after Arsenal debut, they’re in complete agreement

Kieran Smith

Wed 23 July 2025 20:45, UK Updated Wed 23 July 2025 22:10, UK

Declan Rice has sent a message to Max Dowman as the Arsenal wonderkid made his debut under Mikel Arteta in the pre-season friendly against AC Milan.

At just 15 years old, there aren’t many younger players to feature for Arsenal than Max Dowman.

Dowman impressed for Arsenal on his debut, and at that age, the sky really is the limit. Mikel Arteta will have liked what he saw.

Dowman was described as “the best 15-year-old in the country” by team-mate and England international Declan Rice – and the Arsenal star has also sent a message to the youngster after the pre-season clash.

Declan Rice to Max Dowman after AC Milan clash

Dowman took to Instagram after the fixture to post an emotional message to supporters, which expressed his elation to have featured in Singapore.

It read: ‘Proud moment for me and my family to make my debut for this great club. Only the start!’

Comments flooded in, including from Rice, who echoed Dowman’s thoughts. He wrote: ‘the start’ with a love heart emoji.

The pair are in agreement – and Arsenal fans will love this, with ‘the start’ building excitement for just what this incredible teenager could achieve at the club.

Rice also posted a photo of the pair on his Instagram story – cementing their immediate bond within the Arsenal squad.

Comments flooded in, including from Ayden Heaven, several Arsenal academy teammates, proud family members, and excited Gunners supporters.

Mikel Arteta on Max Dowman

Dowman caused Milan problems when driving forward with the ball, and Arteta praised this impact.

“I’m very happy with all the kids,” he said in his post-match interview. “I think they are able to play at that level at 15 years old, in my opinion, because of the environment and the 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 that this kid has to deliver against opposition like this.

“There is a lot of work in our academy of the coaches, people involved, and it is a moment to give opportunities [to young players], to reward them.

“They certainly took their chance today in difficult circumstances against a very big team. [It is] incredible, how at 15 years old they can perform at that level.”

Dowman is special – and Arsenal fans can expect to see much more of him in future.