In his playing days, former Chelsea captain and defender John Terry went up against Lionel Messi on more than one occasion.
For many, Messi is football’s greatest-ever player, and Terry has now compared one Arsenal attacker to the Barcelona legend.
He helped the Gunners to beat Everton 2-0 on the same day that Chelsea lost 1-0 to Newcastle United.
What is he talking about? 😵💫
Liam Rosenior on Chelsea team huddle
Credit: Andrew Kearns – CameraSport/Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
John Terry compares Max Dowman to Lionel Messi
At just 16 years of age, Dowman has managed to score in the Premier League after netting against Everton on Saturday.
He is a youngster Terry is already very familiar with after watching him play against one of Chelsea’s youth teams, and it is fair to say that the retired centre-back is a fan.
Speaking on his TikTok about Dowman, Terry said: “I watched him play against Chelsea about a year ago, and I’ve not seen anyone glide past people like this man does other than Messi!”
Max Dowman of Arsenal under pressure from Vitalii Mykolenko of Everton
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
To be mentioned in the same sentence as Messi as a 16-year-old is the ultimate compliment.
Terry has also been praising Joao Pedro, comparing the Brazilian to Didier Drogba. Pedro was on a sensational run of form before blanks against Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain.
Max Dowman’s record against Chelsea Under-18s
Dowman has enjoyed a lot of success against Chelsea’s Under-18s. In total, he has faced them three times and won on all three occasions.
The winger has scored against Arsenal’s London rivals as well, netting in a 5-2 win back in the 2023/24 season.
Dowman will now be hoping to score against Chelsea at senior level and could still get the chance to before the end of May. Arsenal and Chelsea are both in the FA Cup quarter-finals so could face each other in the semis or final at Wembley.
What do you rate about Alejandro Garnacho’s game?
His dribbling was great against Wrexham 👏
Alejandro Garnacho dribblings stats vs Wrexham
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
The Gunners take on Southampton, while the Blues have been drawn against Port Vale. The former’s priority will be on the title race, though.
As for Chelsea, their aim will be to win a cup since they have no chance of getting their hands on the title. But securing Champions League qualification will be the more important objective.
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