Teenage Maestro's & Arsenal's New Find!
- aaronptighe
- Sep 7, 2025
- 3 min read
I was reading headlines regarding Max Bowman, who at just 15 years of age has broken through to Arsenal’s first team. Remembering back to when I was 15 and thought that playing in the U18s versus a Tottenham, West Ham, or Arsenal was special; what a leap it is to think you could be selected over seasoned professional players in one of the world’s best teams.
When you watch a collection of Bowman’s performances, you very quickly go “wow!”. His left-foot dribbling style, ability to move to the left past a defender with an ease of acceleration, or to go down the right of the player with a burst of pace; to see and deliver a pass no-one else sees, and to finish with bends, chips, laces, reminds you of some of the greats.
There’s a touch of Messi’s low centre of gravity, Gascoigne’s fearlessness with the ball at his feet, and even shades of George Best’s unpredictability and flair. Of course, you do have to dampen the excitement; after all, much of the footage is youth football. But let’s not forget that this is elite youth football and his speed, touch, and control of the ball are an eye opener.
That Feeling of Another Level
As a young footballer in my day, there were certain players I saw who just looked so far above the rest, they were operating on another level. Players like Matt Le Tissier, Roy Keane, Paul Gascoigne, Steve McManaman; when they got the ball, you just knew something special was going to happen.
That’s the sense you get watching Bowman. He isn’t just going beyond his peers; he’s dictating the tempo, creating magic, and standing out from the pack.
The Road Ahead – Talent vs. Longevity
It’s one thing to break through at such a young age with obvious superb talent, but being able to ride out all of the challenges that come along the road of an elite career is something else. The great news for young stars like Bowman is that there are incredible maestros to follow who have been there and done it, and the game now provides more support than ever, from coaches and mentors to sports science and medical teams.
Football history is filled with stories of players who lit up the game as teenagers, only for their journeys to take very different turns. Thinking about some who made It all the way:
Wayne Rooney (16, Everton debut) By 17, he was scoring wonder goals in the Premier League. Rooney handled the pressure, grew into his body, and became Manchester United and England’s record scorer. His work ethic matched his talent.
Cesc Fàbregas (16, Arsenal) Fàbregas stepped into Arsenal’s midfield during the Invincibles era and never looked back. His intelligence and passing range carried him through a long career across Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea.
Kylian Mbappé (16, Monaco) Another who burst onto the scene as a teenager, Mbappé’s pace and maturity saw him not only break through but dominate, winning a World Cup at 19.
Final Thoughts
It's fantastic seeing this new young talent coming through and credit to the club, the coaches and family for the support, and most of all credit to this young man who has crafted a level of skill, athleticism and determination to excite in ways that make you sit forward in your chair. Arsenal may have unearthed the next generational star and at 15 years old, what a story already, no matter what happens from here.
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Aaron Tighe
Founder, One2Pro
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