Port Vale manager pinpoints ‘top talent’ at Arsenal he believes will be a ‘star’

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While Arsenal fans are urging the side forward to win the Premier League and Champions League, their ambitions in the domestic cups cannot be forgotten either.

The Gunners enter the Carabao Cup in the third round this season, as they take on League One outfit Port Vale.

While it won’t be easy, it does offer Mikel Arteta the chance to rotate his team and give opportunities to those who haven’t had them so far this campaign.

Several Arsenal players could get some valuable minutes at Vale Park, including a potential nod towards the academy.

For Port Vale boss Darren Moore, however, there is one youngster who could go on to become a “top talent”.

• READ MORE: Five Arsenal academy stars Mikel Arteta must play vs Port Vale, including the ‘next William Saliba’

Darren Moore praises Max Dowman ahead of Port Vale vs Arsenal

Ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Port Vale in the Carabao Cup, there is anticipation from fans that they could see more of Max Dowman.

The youngster has already been a feature in the senior team, showing plenty of potential for the future with his cameo performances.

Dowman made his Premier League debut against Leeds before making a short appearance against Liverpool.

Since then, the youngster has been involved in matchday squads, as well as featuring for the under-21s.

Now, with a match against League One opposition, there is an opportunity for the 15-year-old to get a first start.

If so, Dowman would be the youngest-ever Arsenal starter in history, a record currently held by his academy teammate, Jack Porter.

Ahead of the possibility of facing off with the youngster, Port Vale head coach Darren Moore has discussed his talent.

Speaking with TalkSPORT, he said: “He’s [Dowman] a top, top talent.

“He’s a real star in the making, and he’s somebody that I’m sure Mikel’s got at his disposal, and he’ll decide whether he’ll have any participation in the starting team… One thing we do know is he’s a top, top talent.”

It could be an opportunity for Dowman to get more minutes and experience at a senior level, while providing a springboard for the future.

The Carabao Cup has often provided these chances for Arsenal, such as Ethan Nwaneri’s brace against Bolton, and Porter’s debut in goal at just 16.

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta says what position he thinks Myles Lewis-Skelly is best in for Arsenal

Max Dowman could be tested technically and physically with Arsenal minutes against Port Vale

It remains to be seen whether Arteta thinks Dowman is ready to be thrown into a senior match from the start yet.

However, if he is given the green light to start against Port Vale, it could provide something of a different test for the youngster.

While he has come on against tired legs so far, coming in and making an impact against fresh players could be something a bit different.

It would be a test of not just his technical quality, but how he competes on a physical level against players several years his senior.

So far, in a training capacity, it sounds as though he has managed it.

Arteta revealed Arsenal players initially kicked out at Dowman to deal with him in training, as he eased himself into the senior setup.

Now, he has a chance to show that quality for the side in match action.