Max Dowman’s emergence has been one of the stories of the season for Arsenal.
The 16-year-old may have only played a total of 403 minutes across all competitions, but in those brief cameos he has repeatedly showcased his precocious talent.
So far, Arsenal have managed his minutes well, ensuring that he is not thrust into the limelight prematurely.
Could Dowman earn Arsenal start at The Etihad?
Dowman could be called upon for the biggest game of the Premier League season when the Gunners travel to title rivals Manchester City on Sunday.
Winger Noni Madueke was forced off in the second half of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting on Wednesday night, adding to a growing list of injury concerns.
With Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard also sidelined, Mikel Arteta’s options are increasingly limited.
It could be that he turns to teenager Dowman, then – as he did ahead of Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard last night – for the seismic clash at the Etihad this weekend.
And the inclusion of some youthful exuberance may not be a disadvantage for Arsenal, whose struggles to create chances from open play have been well-documented of late.
Dowman has looked effervescent and uninhibited every time he has taken to the pitch, highlighted by his sensational solo goal to secure victory against Everton last month.
Equally, though, there might be some hesitation about handing the youngster his first Premier League start in a game of such significance.
But there are plenty calling for Dowman to play after he impressed again from the bench against Sporting.
“It would be a massive call [to start Dowman against Man City] but he is special, he’s clearly special,” former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole said on TNT Sports.
"What he’s already done at the game at his age is incredible. Arsenal were in a Champions League quarter-final tonight and Arteta turned to Dowman and that shows you the faith they have in him. We might even see him on Sunday and that would be huge."
