Arsenal youngster Max Dowman could still receive a Champions League winner's medal despite playing only 59 minutes in the competition this season. The 16-year-old was an unused substitute in both legs of the semi-final against Atletico Madrid, as the Gunners secured a 2-1 aggregate victory to reach the final.
Dowman has made three appearances in the tournament: the league-phase win at Slavia Prague and both legs of the quarter-final against Sporting CP. However, UEFA regulations state that the winning club receives 50 gold medals to distribute as they see fit, with no minimum playing time required.
The England youth international made his senior debut for Arsenal in August, coming off the bench in a 5-0 win over Leeds United. He has since featured in all domestic competitions and scored his first senior goal in a Premier League victory against Everton in March.
Manager Mikel Arteta has praised Dowman's maturity and talent, saying: 'What he's done with us at the age of 15... I haven't seen it before. Only with a guy who used to play in Barcelona, but maybe not even that.' Arteta also highlighted the youngster's charisma and ability to handle pressure.
Arsenal will discover their final opponents on Wednesday, facing either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest. Should they triumph, Dowman will be eligible for a medal regardless of whether he features in the final.
