'Far too soon' - Martin Keown cools England hype around Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman as World Cup looms

Martin Keown discussed all things Max Dowman as the former Arsenal defender gave his opinion on a dazzling rising star in the Premier League. The Gunners' attacking midfielder became the youngest scorer in the Premier League when he netted against Everton and Keown believes England manager Thomas Tuchel may take a look at him – but stressed it was too soon to throw him into the World Cup squad.

England manager Thomas Tuchel "will want to take a look" at Arsenal 16-year-old sensation Max Dowman, says ex-Gunners defender Martin Keown, but that it is "far too soon" to consider him for this summer's World Cup.

Tuchel announced his squad for the March friendlies on Friday and, despite some speculation, Dowman was not included.

The Gunners' attacking midfielder became the youngest scorer in Premier League history last Saturday when he struck in the last minute against Everton, at the age of just 16 years and 73 days. Mikel Arteta named Dowman on the bench for Tuesday night's UEFA Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen.

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Many are wondering if Dowman may be too special for Tuchel to ignore, but TNT Sports pundit Keown is wary of putting too much pressure on the young star's shoulders.

"I think it's far too soon to be talking about that," Keown told TNT Sports when asked about Dowman's chances of making the World Cup squad.

"What I will say though is he shouldn't be playing for England U-18s. The games I have seen, people are just taking potshots against him."

Dowman was fouled 10 times in one half against Spain U-19s last year.

"The game against Spain needs to be looked at, and whether it's sensible for him to play at that level," said Keown. "He might be getting a bit more protection at a higher level."

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He continued: "The U-21s is probably next for him and we just want to enjoy him as a player at Arsenal, we don't want to put pressure on him. He doesn't look as if he's under any pressure at all, but Thomas Tuchel will want to take a look."

England managers in the past have not been afraid to introduce some of the Premier League's rising talents at a young age.

Theo Walcott famously went to the 2006 World Cup before earning any minutes for Arsenal and is, to this day, England's youngest debutant. A fresh-faced Wayne Rooney was 17 when he debuted in 2003.

But sometimes, it can be too much too quickly. Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere was 18 for his debut but saw his career fade as injuries hindered his progression. Raheem Sterling was 17 when he debuted for the national side but has seen his career dwindle in his late 20s.

History has indicated that talents at Dowman's age need to be handled carefully. The wrong move, or an injury, could impact his entire development.

"Of course it's a wildcard," Keown added. "Theo Walcott went to a World Cup, I believe without actually playing for Arsenal. Based on a training session Sven [Goran-Eriksson] saw him play, because he was an incredible talent they gambled, and it perhaps didn't work for him.

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"It was probably too soon for him, and he picks up an injury. The manager [Arteta] is doing a great job. He's known about [Dowman's] talent for a long time. He's had to earn the right to be there and I think it's right that he does it this way."

Keown, who came into an Arsenal side with some famous faces, added that the current crop around Dowman will keep him grounded.

"I remember coming through the Arsenal youth team with the likes of David Rocastle, Michael Thomas, Tony Adams, Paul Merson, Niall Quinn - six full internationals," Keown reminisced.

"There's good players around. Skelly's come in, Saka's come in, Nwaneri's gone on loan. When he went on loan, you had some idea of how good Max Dowman was.

"He's a special talent. He's been training with the first team now for almost a couple of years. You almost have to check his birth certificate to see if it's true and how good he is.

"That goal he scored against Everton. The ball for the first one was a teasing cross and a quality ball, but everything he did in that game was first class, trying to affect the match.

"I would have cleared that ball and thought time's up, but he was thinking differently to everyone else. He's got that joyous run to the goal to tap it in. Already he's showing massive maturity, no nerves.

"Goodness me, that is a fantastic achievement for such a young man but he's still got such a long way to go. The youngest goalscorer in the Premier League. I think in the years to come we may see him at the top of lots of these records - let's hope he does."

Tuchel: Dowman an 'outstanding talent'

Speaking in Friday's press conference, England boss Tuchel labeled Dowman an "outstanding talent" that still had a chance of being called up for the World Cup.

However, the German insisted that it was important not to heap pressure on the Arsenal starlet.

"He is an outstanding talent," Tuchel said. "Everyone I speak to is full of compliments about him, but the reality is he competes for minutes at Arsenal and is not a regular starter.

"He is in the best environment possible in a stable and competitive club. He learns from the very best.

"He is in a good spot to fight for minutes at Arsenal. There is always a chance. The key with young players is to keep their momentum going as they have a level of fearlessness.

"There is no need to call him up now and increase the pressure."

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