Arsenal starlet Max Dowman could still receive a Champions League winner's medal despite playing less than an hour of football in the competition this season. The Gunners are just one game away from European glory after a narrow 2-1 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals.
Dowman's Limited Champions League Involvement
The 16-year-old was an unused substitute for both legs against Atletico. He has featured in only three European matches this campaign: the league-phase win at Slavia Prague and both legs of the quarter-final against Sporting CP, totalling just 59 minutes of action.
Fortunately for the youngster, there is no minimum playing time required to qualify for a medal. According to the Champions League's official regulations, the winning side receives 50 gold medals to distribute as they see fit.
UEFA's Medal Allocation Rules
The allocation of 50 medals has increased in recent years, but it has long been the case that rewards are not reserved solely for those who start or come off the bench in the final. The rules allow Arsenal to recognise players who contributed throughout the campaign, even if they do not make the matchday squad in Budapest.
Dowman's Breakthrough Season
Dowman made his senior debut for Arsenal in August, coming off the bench in a 5-0 victory over Leeds United. He has played in all three domestic competitions in addition to the Champions League and scored his first senior goal in a Premier League win against Everton in March.
Manager Mikel Arteta has praised the youngster throughout the season. He allowed Dowman to become the second-youngest Premier League player in history when he brought him on against Leeds and expressed delight when the England youth international committed his long-term future to the club.
Arteta's Praise for Dowman
"What he's done with us at the age of 15. Personally, I haven't seen it before. Only with a guy who used to play in Barcelona, but maybe not even that," Arteta said in January. "He certainly has, not only that, he has a certain charisma as well and personality that he doesn't get overwhelmed, whether it's by the situation, or the stadium or the opposition, and that's a huge quality to have."
Arteta added: "The fact that we have very good examples [of academy players in the first team] is very helpful. Then it's down, not only the players as well, but the family as well because obviously they're a crucial part of their education and their development and we are very responsible of that. He's been great. He's got a great family. The communication between us has been very, very productive over the years. Now I think they trust what we're going to do with him and now it's down to him and us to build an amazing career with him."
What's Next for Arsenal?
Arsenal will discover on Wednesday whether they face Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest. Should they go all the way, Dowman will not need to step onto the pitch to secure a medal.
