Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made a striking comparison between teenage prospect Max Dowman and a youthful Lionel Messi, following the 16-year-old's commitment to the club's future. Dowman, who made history in November by becoming the youngest player ever to feature in the Champions League at just 15 years and 308 days, has now signed a pre-agreement for his first professional contract, set to be formalised when he turns 17 in December.
Arteta's High Praise for Dowman's Talent
Arteta, who began his own playing career at Barcelona and was on the books when Messi joined the Catalan giants in 2000, expressed his admiration for Dowman's exceptional abilities. "Certainly one of the best," Arteta remarked when asked how Dowman compares to other graduates from Arsenal's Hale End academy. "What he's done with us at the age of 15, me personally, I haven't seen it before. Only with a guy that used to play in Barcelona but maybe not even that."
The Arsenal boss highlighted Dowman's composure and character as key attributes, noting that the teenager possesses a certain charisma and personality that prevents him from becoming overwhelmed by high-pressure situations, stadium atmospheres, or formidable opposition. "That's a huge quality to have," Arteta emphasised. "Now it's down to him and us to build an amazing career with him."
Securing Dowman's Future Amid Interest
Despite reported interest from several other clubs, there was never any serious doubt that Dowman would depart Arsenal, having joined the club's academy at the age of six. The pre-agreement solidifies his pathway to a professional deal, underscoring the club's faith in his development. Dowman, who is also the youngest player to start a match for Arsenal, has been absent since mid-December due to an ankle injury and is unlikely to feature in the upcoming fixture against Leeds United, the team against whom he made his debut in August.
Arteta Advocates for Squad Size Changes
In broader squad news, Arteta has a fully fit squad available as Arsenal aim to secure their first league victory in four attempts. However, the manager has issued a plea for Premier League matchday squads to be expanded from 20 to 23 players, aligning with UEFA competitions. Arteta argued that the current system, which requires leaving out two or three players each week, adversely affects their mental health.
"It's much better to manage the squad, to maintain the value of the players, to maintain the mental health of the players as nobody wants to get out of the squad," Arteta stated. "I beg them so between all of us to help us with that. We can deal with hotels, travel and all of that, that would be very very helpful for everybody. The worst thing is to leave somebody [out]."
This call for change echoes recent statements from other top managers, including Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot, who have also advocated for larger Premier League squads next season.
Arteta on Maintaining Rival Relationships
Arteta also addressed his ongoing relationship with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, with whom he worked closely during his time at City. Dismissing suggestions that he should not maintain such closeness with a rival, Arteta cited the example of tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
"For me the surprising thing would be not to," Arteta explained. "I think it would be a really bad example for sport. And I think in sport you have to learn and probably the biggest lesson that sport has given us is the relationship, for example, that Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer had. And we are not at that level at all, but one of the best in the history, or the two best, the relation they have between them when they have to play a final, one against one, against each other. So how the hell am I not going to have a great relationship with someone that I admire, I work with, and he's a colleague? But the same with any other opponent. When it goes to the court, or to the pitch, that's for the winner."
