14-year-old Mikel Arteta rates highly at Arsenal has remarkably just scored for the England U17 side

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Arsenal have a seriously special talent in Hale End right now.

The Gunners boast a rich history when it comes to promoting youngsters, with the likes of Ashley Cole, Tony Adams, Andy Cole and Bukayo Saka emerging from the academy over the years.

Now – however – there is a precocious prospect at Arsenal who has just done something quite remarkable…

Max Dowman scores for England U17 side against Mexico

Max Dowman – who is just 14, yes 14 – has now scored a goal for the England U17 side while playing against Mexico.

The Arsenal wonderkid had already achieved something special just by earning a call up into that age group – given the fact he is three years below that level – so to actually score as well speaks volumes about his talent.

Dowman even took the No.10 shirt for a clash against Mexico’s U17 side – showing his immense confidence – and this audacity was on show once again for his goal.

The attacking midfielder was entrusted to take a penalty by his older peers, and actually chipped the ball down the middle as England won 5-0.

Clearly, Dowman – who Mikel Arteta has even given a squad number to after inviting him to senior training at London Colney – is not short of belief in himself.

Furthermore, David Ornstein adds that there is “huge optimism” regarding Dowman amongst those at the Emirates Stadium, with many believing he is capable of overcoming future challenges and becoming a first teamer.

Pressure is on Mikel Arteta at Arsenal

There is obviously going to be pressure on Dowman to now live up to his potential, but in the meantime, there is also pressure on Arteta to bring more Hale Enders into the senior side.

Aside from Saka, Arsenal have struggled to produce talents who can deliver consistently at the highest level in recent years, with Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah showing promise, but ultimately not displaying enough.

The likes of Charlie Patino and Amario Cozier-Duberry seemed capable of making it, but they have also now left the Emirates Stadium.

There is hope in Ethan Nwaneri – who Arsenal are seriously excited about – but if Arteta also fails to find a way to incorporate the Premier League’s youngest ever player, Arsenal fans may start to question how Hale End is being used by the Spaniard.