Micah Richards completely disagrees with Gary Lineker’s Max Dowman prediction at Arsenal

Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have disagreed over the future of 16-year-old Arsenal academy product Max Dowman. Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker predicted that the young midfielder will become a regular starter for Mikel Arteta's side by the end of the 2026/27 season. Dowman has made two first-team appearances for the Gunners so far this season.

Richards disagreed with Lineker's prediction, citing the defensive discipline required to play in Arteta's system. He argued that while Dowman has the necessary ability, demanding such defensive work from a 16-year-old would be very difficult. Dowman faces strong competition for places in the Arsenal starting lineup from Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.