Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he must “find a balance” in managing talented youngster Max Dowman’s integration into the first team.
The 15-year-old has made two Premier League and one Carabao Cup appearances so far this season, and could feature in Wednesday’s last-16 tie against Brighton.
When asked about Dowman’s lack of recent first-team chances, Arteta said: “I am calm over it because what we have decided for him for the first few months is happening.
“When we have to give him games, whether it is in the youth cup, with the under-23s or with us, he has that.
“He has a lot of exposure in training with us too. We really have to manage his load.
“He is 15 years old and still growing. There are a lot of things we have to make sure are under control so he develops in the way he can do.”
“He will play minutes with us, for sure. When he has the chance to do that he needs to take it.
“If we looked at his passport every day, we would never play him – simple as that. But when you look at what he does in training, you have to play him. If not, you are blind, or I’m blind.
“So it is finding a balance and an understanding – especially with the load, the things that are changing in his life, and make sure he can cope with that. So far, he has done that.”
Arsenal recently reached an agreement with Dowman to sign scholarship terms, meaning he could pre-agree a professional contract when he turns 17.
“That’s what we all want and I think what he wants as well. After that, it is more for Andrea [Berta] and the club,” Arteta added when asked if this meant the youngster is likely to stay with the Gunners long term.
“But the feeling that I have is that he genuinely loves it here. He is a huge Arsenal supporter and his family are really happy with the way things are developing around him as well. Hopefully he will be with us for many years.
On the risk that until Downman signs a professional deal other clubs could target him, Arteta said: “I don’t think about those things because everything that I hear from the player and the family has been very positive.”
