Phil Foden could be set for more disappointment this season thanks to Arsenal’s Max Dowman

Phil Foden’s record as the youngest player ever to win a Premier League medal could be broken this season by Arsenal talent Max Dowman.

Dowman announced himself to the world of senior professional football last weekend in unforgettable fashion. Having become the youngest person ever to play in the Champions League earlier this season at the age of 15, the teenager was subbed on in the second half of last weekend’s Premier League match against Everton.

Despite the high-stakes nature of the game, with Arsenal teetering on the brink of a potential title-damaging 0-0 draw, Dowman demonstrated skills and composure far beyond his years to secure the victory. The Hale End academy graduate’s cross in the 89th minute led directly to a blunder by Jordan Pickford, enabling Viktor Gyokeres to score the first goal.

FOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester City Facebook page

Dowman’s standing as one of the most promising talents in world football was even more evident when he sprinted the length of the pitch during a counterattack before coolly slotting in the winning goal in the 97th minute.

It made him the youngest ever Premier League goal-scorer, aged 16 and 73 days, in what many predict will be an extraordinary career. And the teenage sensation could still shatter more records this season, including one set by Manchester City’s Foden back in May 2018.

Dowman has already featured in three league matches this season, meaning he requires just two more across Arsenal’s seven remaining fixtures to secure a Premier League winners’ medal, should they not squander their nine-point advantage at this late stage.

The Gunners are the bookies’ favourite to finally win the title again, which would make Dowman the youngest player ever to achieve this feat. Having only celebrated his 16th birthday on New Year’s Eve, Dowman would shatter Foden’s record of securing the title aged 17 years and 350 days.

Foden, who reached the minimum five appearances required in the 2017/18 campaign for City, failed to find the net across those matches, unlike Dowman. And the duo could meet for the first time this Sunday in the eagerly-awaited Carabao Cup final.

Former PFA Players’ Player of the Year Foden, 25, is currently enduring a disappointing campaign by his lofty standards, having netted 10 goals and provided five assists in all competitions. Nevertheless, he is expected to be included in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad announcement ahead of two World Cup 2026 preparation fixtures later this month.

Meanwhile, the general view is that the World Cup this summer will arrive too early for Dowman and he is therefore expected to miss out on the forthcoming friendlies. Tuchel not selecting Dowman at this time would not be a judgement of his ability but rather an attempt to shield him from the spotlight at such a tender age.