Mikel Arteta believes Max Dowman is one of the best talents he has seen after the 16-year-old signed his pre-contract agreement with us.
The teenager has already made history this season, becoming our youngest ever starter in our Carabao Cup win over Brighton, as well as providing an assist on his Premier League debut against Leeds United.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Leeds for a second time this season, Mikel was quick to praise Max for his incredible progress so far.
He said: "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."
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Max has shown plenty of potential of a bright future, featuring in five men's first team matches this season.
Mikel is no stranger to the strengths of Hale End, having given 19 players from our academy senior debuts in his time in charge, and the Spaniard thinks Max is a unique talent.
"Certainly one of the best," he said. "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.
"The fact that we have very good examples [of academy players in the first team] is very helpful. 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.
"He's been great. He's got a great family. The communication between us has been very, very productive over the years. Now I think they trust what we're going to do with him and now it's down to him and us to build an amazing career with him."
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