Gilberto Silva has said Mikel Arteta must protect Max Dowman and not put too much pressure on the youngster after his breakthrough at Arsenal.

Dowman, who doesn’t turn 16 until the end of the year, is the latest gem to roll off the Hale End Academy production line.

Excitement around the midfielder’s potential has been building for well over a year following Arteta’s decision to allow the forward to train with the first team on a regular basis.

And after impressing over the summer on Arsenal’s pre-season tour, Dowman has been integrated further into the first-team squad this season.

The teenager became the second youngest player in the club’s history when he made a cameo appearance against Leeds United in August.

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However, the England Under-19 international has seen few opportunities since then, even returning to play for Arsenal’s Under-21 side in recent weeks to provide him with regular minutes.

However, former...