Arsenal's Young Star Max Dowman Draws Comparisons to Messi

Arsenal's Young Star Max Dowman Draws Comparisons to Messi

Arsenal's Young Star Max Dowman Draws Comparisons to Messi

Arsenal's 15-year-old winger Max Dowman has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi, with former player Theo Walcott describing him as "so refreshing" to watch.

Dowman made his debut for the Gunners during Saturday's 5-0 Premier League victory over Leeds, becoming the club's second-youngest player at the age of 15 years and 234 days.

After observing the young talent in action, Walcott noted that Dowman's playing style, characterized by quick movement with the ball and a low center of gravity, resembles that of Argentine superstar Messi, making defenders "tired".

Walcott, who spent 12 years at Arsenal after joining in 2006, remarked, "What’s really fascinating is that [Arsenal manager] Mikel Arteta will allow him to do that because that’s his strength. He carries the ball and is quicker with it. He’s like Messi. I remember playing against Messi—when he was off the ball, he wasn’t 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 ability."

Walcott was also impressed by Dowman’s attitude, stating that his positive and direct approach is one that allows him to play freely. "He’s got ability that you just can’t teach because he plays with that freedom," he added.

Walcott emphasized the importance of maintaining a support network for Dowman, recalling his own experiences when he made his Premier League debut for Arsenal at 16 and played for England a year later. He acknowledged that having a solid support system is crucial for the young player's development.

"The biggest challenge is the outside noise and how he copes with even his school life, balancing the recognition he might receive while walking down the street," Walcott explained during his appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "The social media world is something I didn’t have to deal with when I was coming through; it was a very different environment back then."

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