Academy

Patino urges patience with 15-year-old Arsenal prodigy breaking into senior squad

Max-Dowman

Charlie Patino knows exactly what it feels like to be a teenage sensation at Arsenal and he’s now urging fans and the club to manage the rise of Max Dowman with care.

Dowman, just 15, made waves this preseason after featuring against AC Milan and scoring in the penalty shootout. But while the buzz around Hale End’s latest gem grows louder, Patino is calling for calm and patience.

Patino: “Don’t put pressure on a kid that age”

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Speaking to @TheAthleticFC, Patino reflected on Dowman’s early impact: “To be breaking in at 15 is a massive thing. It’s very rare for people that age to be doing that.”

He continued: “From my experience, I’d say not to put too much pressure on a kid that age. Let him learn from training, put him in when needed, and give him time to adapt, to get that experience, to see what it’s like.”

Patino made his own Arsenal debut at 18, scoring on his first appearance and quickly becoming a fan favourite among the academy graduates. He knows first-hand how intense the spotlight can be and why easing young players in is crucial.

Dowman’s rise offers huge promise for Arsenal midfield

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Dowman’s technical skill, composure in tight areas, and confidence in senior sessions have already caught the attention of Mikel Arteta and the squad. Alongside fellow starlets like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, Dowman is part of a golden generation emerging from Hale End.

But Patino’s advice reflects the reality that many wonderkids need space to mature before being fully unleashed. “Let them feel the game gradually,” he added. “That’s how you build a top-level player for the long run.”

Author Opinion

Max Dowman is special that much is clear. But in a football world eager for instant stars, Charlie Patino’s reminder stands out: give young talents the time to breathe, learn, and grow. If Arsenal do that, the rewards could be extraordinary.

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