I find myself being torn when discussing Max Dowman. There is the welfare aspect of talking about a player who is only 15 years old and understanding how much development is yet to go in this young man’s life,

It may ultimately boil down to the question of whether, mentally and physically, Dowman is ready. The Arsenal players who shared a pitch with him in Wednesday night's defeat to Villarreal certainly made their feelings known.

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal’s 15-year-old wonderkid Max Dowman will be given a brief break after an electrifying run of pre-season performances, which have raised expectations of a potential first-team debut this season.