Mikel Arteta hinted Max Dowman has achieved more at his age than Lionel Messi after the teenager committed his future to Arsenal today.
Dowman, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or on the wing, has signed a pre-contract agreement with the Gunners that will lead to him penning a professional contract when he turns 17 on December 31.
It is another boost for the Premier League leaders, who have nurtured Dowman since he joined the club’s academy, aged eight.
And Arteta said his development is incomparable, even when discussing his fellow La Masia graduate Messi.
“Certainly one of the best,” said Arteta. “What he’s done with us at the age of 15.
“Me personally, I haven’t seen it before. Only with a guy who used to play in Barcelona, but maybe not even that. 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.
“It’s a proud moment to see him yesterday signing that deal in front of his family and his loved ones. 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. Now we have an amazing talent that, day-by-day, I think we need to shape because there’s so much there.”
Dowman takes inspiration from the likes of Saka at Arsenal
Dowman became the second youngest player to represent Arsenal – behind Ethan Nwaneri, who is on loan at Marseille – and has made five senior appearances for the club, although his progress this season has been stunted by an ankle injury.
The 16-year-old is the latest in a number of Hale End products to emerge, following on from the likes of Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and England winger Bukayo Saka.
Dowman said: “This means everything to me and my family. We all support Arsenal and I really feel like I belong here. I’d like to thank all my coaches, teammates and, most importantly, my family and friends, who have got me to where I am today.
“I’ve been at the club my whole life, so this really means a lot. There’s such a clear pathway here, players who have come through our academy, like Bukayo, Myles and Ethan, who all really inspire me.
“It’s amazing to have role models so close that have experienced the same thing that I have. I’m now so excited to continue to work hard with my development.”
