Mikel Merino has compared Arsenal teenager Max Dowman to Barcelona star Lamine Yamal after the 16-year-old scored twice against Ipswich Town.
Dowman starred as Arsenal secured a 4-2 Carabao Cup victory at Portman Road, producing another eye-catching senior performance for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Merino knows Yamal closely from the Spain national team and believes the two teenagers share important characteristics despite being at different stages of their careers.
Speaking after Arsenal’s victory, he highlighted their confidence under pressure, humility and willingness to learn. The comments were reported by [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/16/they-are-very-similar-arsenals-dowman-reminds-merino-of-lamine-yamal?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
Mikel Merino Sees Lamine Yamal Traits in Max Dowman
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Merino believes Dowman’s temperament is one of the qualities that makes him stand out.
The Arsenal midfielder explained that both Dowman and Yamal appear comfortable with attention and are willing to take responsibility in high-pressure situations.
“There are some similarities in terms of their character,” Merino said.
That comparison carries considerable weight given Merino has shared the pitch with Yamal for Spain.
However, he was also careful to stress that Arsenal must manage Dowman’s development rather than allowing the growing attention around him to become overwhelming.
“He is a big talent and we have to take care of him,” Merino added.
Dowman’s performance against Ipswich demonstrated why excitement is increasing.
He scored twice during Arsenal’s 4-2 victory and became only the second 16-year-old to score two goals in one match for a Premier League club, following Wayne Rooney.
Arsenal Veterans Helping Max Dowman Develop
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Merino also highlighted the importance of experienced Arsenal players helping Dowman adapt to senior football.
The teenager is already capable of making a difference against experienced opposition, but Merino believes there remains plenty for him to learn.
That means finding the balance between encouraging Dowman to express his ability and reminding him of his responsibilities within Arteta’s squad.
Merino particularly praised the youngster’s humility.
He believes both Dowman and Yamal possess an eagerness to listen to senior teammates despite the attention surrounding their talent. The Spain international described that quality as particularly valuable for players developing at such a young age.
Arsenal’s approach appears deliberately measured, with Arteta also stressing the need to carefully manage Dowman’s development despite his increasingly influential first-team performances.
Merino Also Impressed by Marli Salmon
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Dowman was not Arsenal’s only academy prospect to impress at Portman Road.
Seventeen-year-old defender Marli Salmon was also handed an opportunity, with Merino praising the maturity required to play centre-back at senior level.
Arsenal’s [defensive options against Ipswich](https://readarsenal.com/2026/09/16/marli-salmon-arsenal-defensive-options-ipswich/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) demonstrated the level of trust Arteta is already placing in the club’s younger players.
Merino explained that mistakes can be particularly costly for central defenders, making Salmon’s ability to listen to advice from experienced teammates important as he develops.
The combination of Dowman and Salmon provided another encouraging night for Arsenal’s academy pathway.
Dowman Could Get Another Carabao Cup Opportunity
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Arsenal’s victory secured their place in the fourth round, where they have now been drawn away to League Two Fleetwood Town.
Fleetwood are the lowest-ranked side remaining after beating Sheffield United in the third round.
That tie could potentially provide another opportunity for Dowman and Arsenal’s emerging players, although Arteta’s team selection will not be known until much closer to the fixture.
For now, Dowman’s two-goal performance has strengthened his case for further senior minutes.
And with a Spain international who knows Yamal well identifying similarities between the pair, the attention around Arsenal’s 16-year-old is unlikely to disappear soon.