David Seaman has compared Arsenal teenager Max Dowman to Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs, predicting a breakout season for the 16-year-old. The former Gunners goalkeeper, who worked with Dowman in the club's academy, told talkSPORT that the midfielder's talent is exceptional.
Arsenal face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday before starting their Premier League title defence against Coventry City next Friday. Manager Mikel Arteta may field several youngsters in the starting lineup, with key players only recently returning from World Cup duty. Dowman is among those expected to feature more prominently this campaign.
Record-Breaking Season
Dowman became the youngest player in Champions League history at 15 years and 308 days old, and later set records as the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history and the youngest Premier League champion. He has already made 13 first-team appearances and impressed during pre-season.
Seaman praised Dowman's maturity, saying: 'He's top, he really is top. He came through with us and then all last season he trained with the first-team. When you see him off the pitch he looks like a 16-year-old, but when you see him on the pitch he looks like a man that's been there for a long time with a lot of talent.'
Giggs Comparison
Seaman drew a direct comparison with the former Manchester United winger, recalling advice from Bryan Robson. 'I remember Bryan Robson telling me about Ryan Giggs when he was young and coming through. In Max – so long as he can stay away from injuries – we've got somebody that's just as good as that,' he said.
Giggs won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, and four FA Cups during a 23-year career at Manchester United. While that sets a high bar, Arsenal's future appears bright with Dowman and fellow academy graduates Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri emerging.
Nwaneri Speculation
Reports have suggested Arsenal offered Lewis-Skelly to Manchester United and Chelsea, with speculation that Nwaneri could leave before the transfer deadline. Seaman dismissed such claims, insisting the midfielder is committed to the club. 'I don't think he wants to go. You see how much passion he's got for the club. He's been at the club since he was eight, he's a boyhood fan. Nobody wants to see him leave,' he said.
Seaman, who has coached at Arsenal for four or five years with the under-18s and under-21s, recalled watching the trio develop. 'I remember watching him coming through the ranks with Nwaneri and Max Dowman. Watching these guys train and then in the restaurant afterwards, they got their school uniform on because they went back to school! It was just so strange!'
He added that Arteta's trust in Nwaneri was evident in the Champions League final, where the young midfielder was 'probably the best player for Arsenal.' The coming season will test whether Dowman can emulate Giggs's longevity and success, with Arsenal aiming to defend their title and compete in Europe.
