Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has drawn an extraordinary parallel between emerging academy star Max Dowman and football legend Lionel Messi, highlighting the teenager's exceptional potential as the Gunners secure his future at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta's High Praise for Young Talent
Following the announcement that talented midfielder Max Dowman has signed a pre-contract agreement that will lead to his first professional contract upon turning seventeen in December, Arteta made the striking claim that Dowman is displaying more potential than Messi did at a similar age.
When questioned about where Dowman ranks among the most gifted academy players he has ever encountered, the Arsenal boss responded with remarkable enthusiasm.
"Certainly one of the best," Arteta declared. "What he's done with us at the age of fifteen. Me personally, I haven't seen it before. Only with a guy who used to play in Barcelona, but maybe not even that."
Remarkable Early Career Achievements
Dowman has already made significant strides in his fledgling career, becoming Arsenal's youngest ever starter during their Carabao Cup victory over Brighton this season.
The midfielder made his debut in August during Arsenal's emphatic five-nil victory over Leeds United, aged just fifteen years and two hundred thirty-four days old.
Despite being limited to merely five first-team appearances this campaign due to an ankle injury that has sidelined him for the past two months, Arteta remains remarkably optimistic about the youngster's long-term prospects.
Beyond Technical Ability
Arteta emphasised that Dowman's qualities extend far beyond mere technical proficiency, highlighting the teenager's exceptional mental attributes and composure under pressure.
"He certainly has, not only that, he has a certain charisma as well and personality that he doesn't get overwhelmed," Arteta explained. "Whether it's by the situation, or the stadium or the opposition, and that's a huge quality to have."
Building for the Future
The Arsenal manager stressed the importance of careful development and strong support systems in nurturing young talent, acknowledging the crucial role played by Dowman's family in his progression.
"The fact that we have very good examples of academy players in the first team is very helpful," Arteta noted. "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."
Arteta expressed particular satisfaction with the communication between the club and Dowman's family, describing it as "very, very productive over the years" and noting their trust in Arsenal's development pathway.
A Proud Moment for All Involved
The Spanish manager described witnessing Dowman sign his pre-contract agreement as "a proud moment" and paid tribute to everyone involved in the youngster's journey to the first team.
"Big credit to everybody that's been involved in that journey with him, to bring him all the way to the first team and especially the manner that they've done it," Arteta stated. "Now we have an amazing talent that, day-by-day, I think we need to shape because there's so much there."
With Arsenal clearly building for both immediate success and long-term sustainability, the securing of Dowman's future represents a significant statement of intent from the North London club.
As the teenage midfielder continues his recovery from injury, all eyes will be on whether he can fulfil the extraordinary potential that has prompted such remarkable comparisons from his manager.
