Max Dowman compared to Lionel Messi by ex-Arsenal star after Premier League bow

Mikel Arteta has been told that he has the next Lionel Messi on his hands in the form of wonderkid Max Dowman . Dowman, 15, has caught the eye with his rapid progression into a first-team player for the Gunners.

He has shone among the club's youth ranks and has been rewarded with senior recognition this term. The midfielder made his Premier League debut at the weekend, coming on for a second-half cameo in the 5-0 thumping of Leeds at the Emirates Stadium.

And he had an immediate impact, winning a late penalty that was dispatched by Viktor Gyokeres . Following his debut, Dowman has earned glowing praise having been compared to Argentina and Barcelona icon Lionel Messi.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex-Arsenal star Theo Walcott said: "What's really fascinating is that Mikel Arteta will allow him to do that [dribble with the ball] because that's his strength.

"He carries the ball, he's quicker with the ball. He's like Messi. I remember playing against Messi - when he was off the ball he's not quick. Maybe it's because I was quicker than most.

"When he had the ball he would just glide past people, glide past me with ease. [Dowman's] got that, he's got the stop-start."

And Walcott has claimed that Dowman’s ability to get fans off of their seats is another strength of his. He added: "He's got ability where you just can't teach it, because he plays with that freedom.

“We talk about the love of football, football being boring at times to watch. Watching, he's not boring to watch. He's so positive every time he has it and that's what I love about these players that are just positive. It's so refreshing."

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Intriguingly, Walcott is not the only one to have compared Dowman to Messi following his breakout in North London. Peter Crouch could also see similarities between the pair in the way they play.

Speaking on TNT Sports, the former England striker said: "Breakout star? I just love what Arsenal have done with the youth players coming through there. Max Dowman is someone who has been on everyone's lips. He's certainly someone that [in] pre-season looks like, we know he's going to be a player, it's just when.

"I've seen a little bit of him, and he's playing like - obviously this is a ridiculous statement - but the way he plays is like [Lionel] Messi. "Literally, coming inside, going past players at ease. Obviously, he's not there yet, but he's got all the attributes to be anything he wants to be.”

Dowman will hope to earn another chance to impress this weekend as Arsenal travel to title holders Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

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