Dowman receives massive honor from Messi - Source: Getty
Dowman receives massive honor from Messi - Source: Getty
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made his feelings clear after Lionel Messi named Max Dowman among the 10 rising footballers in the world. The Argentina hero picked the players as part of the third edition of 'Messi +10', an initiative from Adidas which brings together the 10 best young talents from men's and women's football.
Dowman has been a revelation at Arsenal since making his senior debut last season. He also became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history when he scored in the win over Everton back in March.
Arteta has handed out just 99 minutes of first team football to Dowman this season. But the 16-year-old scored two goals in the Carabao Cup third round win over Ipswich Town as he played the full 90 minutes.
Speaking about Lionel Messi hand-picking Dowman for the list of the 10 best young players, Arteta was full of praise for the youngster. The Gunners' head coach suggested that if the best player in the world spots something in Dowman, the kid must be special.
Arteta was quoted as saying by Evening Standard:
"If Messi, who is the best ever player, says that, his eyes are I think better than anybody else’s. Hopefully he’s right."
The Spanish tactician also pointed to how Dowman has left a lasting impression in his few appearances for Arsenal. Arteta believes the player has a 'special gift' and described him as a joy to watch.
"In the few appearances that he had, he’s already done remarkable things. That’s somebody that is touched with a special gift. He’s a joy to watch. The way he moves, the way he touches the ball, the way he carries himself, it’s just different. And that’s what makes him unique."
Arsenal return to action on Tuesday, when they host Lille in the Champions League at the Emirates Stadium. It remains to be seen if Dowman gets a few minutes to show his quality in the contest.
Who else did Lionel Messi pick alongside Arsenal talent Dowman?
In addition to Dowman, Lionel Messi also picked Crystal Palace's 19-year-old forward Zavier Gozo. The list also features Gilberto Mora, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal, Boca Juniors star Tomas Aranda, and Turkey international Can Uzun from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Chloe Sarwie is the only footballer from the women's game on the list. Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar, Jesus Rodriguez from Como, Hamburger SV's Lotta Wrede and Giovanna Waksman of Lyon complete the list of names.