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Arsenal great Martin Keown believes teenage talent Max Dowman is progressing well "ahead of schedule" and is completely ready for a breakthrough season in Mikel Arteta's first team. The 16-year-old created history last season during the Gunners' successful title run-in, and the former defender feels the youngster can have an important role to play in this campaign.

Teenager shines during title run-in

Dowman made his senior Arsenal debut when he was only 15 before writing his name into the record books as the Premier League's youngest-ever goalscorer. The teenage attacking midfielder made a decisive impact during last season's title run-in, first setting up Viktor Gyokeres and then scoring a stoppage-time goal to seal a dramatic win over Everton. After making 13 first-team appearances in all competitions and catching the eye in pre-season, Dowman is now firmly in Arteta's plans for the new season.

Club legend hails young prodigy

Former Gunners defender Keown feels the youngster's swift progress has come ahead of schedule and expects the prodigy to play a major part in north London. Speaking to TNT Sports, Keown said: "He's 16 years of age. It's already an incredible story. He's already ahead of schedule.

"This season might be the one. We saw those two great moments in the Everton match. That puts him down in history now. The youngest player in the Premier League to score a goal. How important was that? He's going to play a big part. Hopefully this is the breakthrough year, but maybe it's early. But nonetheless, I'm going to enjoy watching him when he plays."

Champions leave old narratives behind

According to Keown, ending a 22-year wait for the title has finally quietened outside voices who had questioned Arsenal's nerve in key moments. The former centre-back believes being reigning champions gives the side a crucial inner confidence, even with rivals eager to bring them down from the top.

Speaking about the pressure that comes with expectation, Keown added: "You know, when you win the Premier League, of course everybody wants to beat the champions. There's been pressure on Arsenal over the years.

"The narrative was that they had blown it, had bottled it. I think now they can enjoy being champions and take that into the game. It gives you that extra air of confidence and belief. So, no, you can't worry about that. Just go and win your games, and hopefully you're better than the rest."

Rivals rebuild while Arsenal have stability

Arsenal are trying to retain their top-flight title successfully for the first time since the 1930s. Arteta's settled tactical system gives the club major continuity at a time when nine top-flight rivals are dealing with managerial upheaval, including Enzo Maresca at Manchester City, Andoni Iraola at Liverpool, and Xabi Alonso at Chelsea. Dowman and his team-mates will face an immediate test when they begin their title defence at home against newly promoted Coventry City on Friday.