Mikel Arteta has spoken about the Arsenal star who reminds him of a young Lionel Messi. The Spaniard came through the Barcelona academy and was a La Masia graduate, just like the Argentinian legend.
Many might expect left-footed key player Bukayo Saka to be player in question, but instead Arteta dropped the comparison in reference to teenage wonderkid Max Dowman. Having only just turned 16 on December 31, the Gunners have convinced the youngster to commit his future to them.
Dowman has agreed terms with Arsenal, which will see him put pen to paper on a professional contract when he celebrates his 17th birthday at the end of 2026.
Dowman Agrees Pre-Agreement Contract at Arsenal
arsenal max dowman
Despite still only being 15 when this season began, Dowman has already played five times for the senior team, with two appearances coming in the Premier League, even winning a penalty in one of those games (against Leeds United). He also became Arsenal's youngest-ever starter in the Carabao Cup win vs Brighton, at 15 years and 302 days old.
He'd likely have more appearances under his belt too, if it wasn't for an ankle injury which has sidelined him over the past few months. Speaking about Dowman after this recent contract update, via the Express, Arteta was full of praise for the 16-year-old.
When questioned about where Dowman ranked amongst academy prospects he had witnessed progressing through the system, the Spaniard drew comparisons with Messi, saying:
"Well, certainly one of the best. What he has done with us, me personally, I haven't seen before. Only with a guy that used to play in Barcelona – but maybe not even that.
"He has a certain charisma as well and personality. 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 communication between us has been very, very productive over the years. It's now down to him and us to build an amazing career."
Messi Didn't Make Barcelona Debut Until He was 17
lionel messi barcelona
Dowman has already broken a number of age-related records, becoming the youngest player to ever feature in the Champions League earlier this season. He came on as a substitute in Arsenal's 3-0 victory away to Slavia Prague in November, aged just 15 years and 308 days.
In comparison, Messi was 17 years 3 months and 22 days by the time he made his debut in the same competition. In fact, he didn't play any competitive senior football for Barcelona before his 17th birthday. So, having made his Arsenal debut at 15, Dowman is already ahead of the Argentine in that sense, although he has a long way to go before their careers can truly be compared.
Following the signing of his pre-agreement, the English midfielder told Arsenal's official website: “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.”
It's expected that Dowman will return from his injury in February.