Arteta Hails 15-Year-Old Wonders as Arsenal Defeat Milan in Pre-Season Opener
It was more than just a pre-season friendly in Singapore—it was a glimpse into Arsenal’s future. Arsenal’s 1-0 win over AC Milan might have been settled by a classic Bukayo Saka finish, but the real story was the emergence of two astonishingly young talents: Max Dowman and Marli Salmon, both just 15 years old.
When Mikel Arteta brought on the teenage pair during the second half, it wasn’t just symbolic—it was bold. And they didn’t look out of place for a second. “Incredible,” Arteta called their performance, and that’s no exaggeration. To perform with that level of confidence and maturity against a top European side like Milan, at 15, is simply remarkable.
Dowman, playing further up the field, showed real attacking intent. He cut inside with flair, looked for openings, and even stepped up to confidently convert his penalty in the post-match shootout. Salmon, holding his own in defense, looked assured, composed, and technically sound. The pair were part of a group of seven academy graduates to feature, a testament to the depth and development at Hale End.
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Alongside Dowman and Salmon, the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly reminded fans that the future is not just exciting—it’s already here. Nwaneri, playing centrally, was electric. He beat players with ease, nearly scored from the edge of the area, and showed off both creativity and work rate. At just 18, his leadership on the pitch was striking, especially with established names like Saliba, Rice, and Saka also featuring.
It wasn’t just the youth that got fans talking. Summer signings Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga made their debuts. Zubimendi looked sharp in midfield, dictating tempo with slick passes. Norgaard added a calm presence in the holding role, and Kepa, though mostly untested during open play, came alive in the shootout—saving three of Milan’s penalties.
But the main highlight remained the sight of two 15-year-olds playing serious minutes in an Arsenal shirt. Arteta’s belief in them was evident: “They are in and around the team constantly… They’re getting used to the dynamics and the demands. They’re earning it.”
And that’s the takeaway. These kids aren’t here for the occasion—they’re here because they belong. Arsenal’s investment in youth is bearing fruit, and in Dowman and Salmon, they might just have found their next stars.
One thing’s for sure: Arsenal fans will be keeping a close eye on these names, because the future? It’s already knocking on the first-team door.
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