Arsenal’s recreation in opposition to Mansfield City on Saturday did not do a lot for Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners progressed to the subsequent spherical of the FA Cup, however a lot of junior gamers have been struggling for a spot within the beginning line-up sooner or later.
That being mentioned, one constructive was Hale Finish. Ethan Nwaneri and Miles Lewis-Skelly could have struggled to get common minutes this time period, however the supervisor hasn’t ignored the younger stars of tomorrow.
For Mansfield, 16-year-old sensations Max Dauman and Marli Salmon began, whereas 18-year-old full-back Jayden Dixon got here on as an alternative.
How Hale Finish performed in opposition to Mansfield
Are there extra thrilling gamers in fashionable European soccer than Dauman? At simply 16 years previous, this teenager appears to have the world at her toes and is already wanting like a star.
A fleet-footed attacking midfielder who exudes class on the ball, the teenager has the power to skip round and evade challenges like a younger Lionel Messi.
Be happy to inform me to carry my horse right here. However Dauman, who boasts unbelievable low-gravity sensation in his left foot, has comparisons to make.
Hale Ender did not rating or help on Saturday, however he seemed like the most effective participant on the sector.
That being mentioned, it was fairly a tough afternoon for the younger salmon. The defender, who has hints of stardom, has made a number of substitute appearances, however that is the primary time he has began in Arsenal colours.
For essentially the most half, the teenager was excellent, but it surely was his backpass that put Cristian Mosquera quick within the build-up to the hosts’ equalizer. Given his age and the truth that he was really enjoying outdoors the right-back place, the error in judgment might be forgiven.
He was ultimately changed by 18-year-old Dixon, however the winter signing from Stoke Metropolis definitely seemed like a powerful and spectacular participant. Barely stockier than Salmon, his physique was instantly noticeable and he seemed very assured in possession, linking up properly with Noni Madueke on the precise within the closing levels of the sport.
Nonetheless, regardless of Maduke and Eberechi Eze scoring, all the eye was on Dauman, and rightly so.
What Doman’s emergence means for the Arsenal workforce
When Arsenal signed Eze final summer season, it raised some eyebrows for a lot of causes, not least as a result of that they had snatched him away from Tottenham Hotspur, but in addition as a result of there was already intense competitors for positions in Eze’s favored areas of the pitch.
Ethan Nwaneri simply had a breakout season in 2024/25, with Kai Havertz and primarily Martin Odegaard the primary choices for the position.
That does not overlook Dauman both. Regardless that he typically performed on the precise flank for Arsenal, he performed within the center at lunchtime on Saturday.
{The teenager}’s most well-liked place is extra central, and you’ll definitely see that by watching him play for Mansfield. Though he was despatched off within the 77th minute, he accomplished 4 of his seven dribbles. He additionally made two vital passes, took a whopping 5 pictures, and dedicated three fouls. This was a grasp class even from a baby.
Dowman vs Mansfield City | |
|---|---|
Play time (minutes) | 77 |
contact | 52 |
actual path | 23/28 (82%) |
key move | 2 |
correct cross | 0/1 |
shot | 5 |
shot on course | 3 |
dribbling success | 4 |
carry | 14 |
There’s a foul | 3 occasions |
received a duel | 7/13 |
The efficiency spoke for itself. It could have solely been in opposition to a League One opponent, but it surely was a show stuffed with authority, one thing hardly ever seen from many gamers in that position at Arsenal this season.
Let’s take the aforementioned Odegaard for instance. The captain was as soon as described by the nice Arsene Wenger as “like a younger Cesc Fabregas”, however his profession has stumbled and stagnated over the previous two seasons.
A 15-goal yr in 2022/23 is now a factor of the previous because the Norwegian struggles to make a big effect.
The £30m signing missed many video games final season as a result of an ankle harm, however when he did play, he hardly ever carried out properly. Actually, the attacking midfielder completed the 2024/25 season with 6 objectives and 12 assists. He solely had three strikes in 30 league video games.
Issues have not improved a lot for Odegaard this time period. It has been one other injury-plagued season for the 27-year-old, who has performed simply 27 video games and scored only one aim in all competitions.
Persistence is sporting skinny amongst a number of the fan base and Arteta is undoubtedly reluctant to promote, however maybe this summer season would be the excellent alternative to signal a participant in his prime.
Odegaard has had some nice days in Arsenal colours, however he already appears previous his finest, and the emergence of an in-form Eze and the rise of Dauman offered the proper excuse to do away with them.
Do not forget about Nwaneri. At the moment on mortgage at Marseille, neither he nor Dauman are more likely to get common minutes till the membership’s captain leaves.
It appears like an excessive measure, however when there are Academy graduates of the identical technology, on this case one thing, or somebody, has to contribute.
He was embarrassed by Dowman: £45m failure means Arsenal ought to by no means begin once more
On Saturday afternoon, Arsenal got here near crossing the road in opposition to an invigorating Mansfield aspect.
