Arsenal Teenager Max Dowman Debuts Premier League, Draws Messi Comparisons

Arsenal starlet Max Dowman, who made his Premier League debut at just 15 years and 234 days old, has drawn high praise from former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott, who compared Dowman's playing style to that of Lionel Messi. Walcott highlighted Dowman's ability to glide past defenders with the ball, his stop-start dribbling technique, and his positive, fearless attitude on the pitch, noting that these qualities are reminiscent of Messi’s style. Dowman’s early impact includes winning a penalty in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds, and Walcott emphasized that manager Mikel Arteta’s willingness to allow Dowman creative freedom is crucial to harnessing his talent. While Walcott lauded Dowman’s natural ability, he also acknowledged the importance of a strong support network to help the young player manage the pressures of professional football and public attention. Dowman is one of the youngest players in Premier League history, joining a select group who debuted before turning 16, showcasing Arsenal's commitment to youth development. Overall, Walcott’s insights suggest that Dowman has the potential to become a significant figure in football, much like Messi.