Theo Walcott, the former Arsenal star, has drawn a comparison between Arsenal's newest young talent, Max Dowman, and Lionel Messi. This comes after Dowman's impressive performance in the Gunners’ recent 5-0 victory over Leeds United. The 15-year-old's debut at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday not only marked a significant moment in his budding career but also etched his name in Premier League history.
At 15 years and 234 days, Dowman became the second-youngest player to grace the Premier League, narrowly surpassing his fellow Gunner, Ethan Nwaneri, who debuted 54 days younger in 2022. Only three players have ever achieved the feat of playing in the Premier League before their 16th birthday: Nwaneri (15 years, 181 days), Jeremy Monga of Leicester City (15 years, 271 days), and now Max Dowman.
Dowman made an immediate impact upon entering the game in the 64th minute, replacing Noni Madueke. His dynamic presence was immediately felt as he unleashed two shots, executed three successful dribbles, and won five of his seven attempted duels. Furthermore, he earned the penalty in stoppage time that allowed Viktor Gyokeres to score his second goal of the match.
Walcott, who himself experienced a meteoric rise as a teenage sensation, sees similarities between Dowman's mesmerizing ability to glide past defenders and Messi's legendary style of play. He elaborated on this comparison, stating, “He carries the ball, he’s quicker with the ball. He’s like Messi. I remember playing against Messi – when he was off the ball he’s not quick. Maybe it’s because I was quicker than most. When he had the ball he would just glide past people, glide past me with ease. [Dowman’s] got that, he’s got the stop-start.”
Walcott also emphasized the significance of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's support for Dowman’s unique style. “What’s really fascinating is that [Arsenal manager] Mikel Arteta will allow him to do that because that’s his strength,” Walcott noted, highlighting the importance of nurturing a young player's natural talents.
Walcott, who spent 12 years with Arsenal after joining the club in 2006, expressed his belief that Dowman possesses the necessary attitude and approach to excel at the highest level. He lauded the teenager’s direct and fearless style of play, stating, “He’s got ability where you just can’t teach it, because he plays with that freedom.”
He further added, “We talk about the love of football, football being boring at times to watch. Watching, he’s not boring to watch. He’s so positive every time he has it and that’s what I love about these players that are just positive. It’s so refreshing.”
Looking ahead, Walcott acknowledged the challenges that Dowman will inevitably face, particularly in dealing with external pressures and expectations. He emphasized the critical importance of a strong support network, which includes family, friends, and the club, to help Dowman navigate these challenges successfully. “The biggest challenge is the outside noise and how he copes with even his school life, that balance of even walking out on the street and recognizing him,” Walcott cautioned.
Furthermore, Walcott touched upon the unique challenges presented by the prevalence of social media in today's world, a factor that he did not have to contend with during his own formative years. “That social media world, I didn’t have that coming through, we didn’t have that when we were younger. It was very different,” he concluded. Dowman's emergence offers a glimpse into the future of Arsenal, and with the right guidance, he could very well live up to the lofty comparisons being made.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72877923/1688884476.0.jpg "Walcott Hails Arsenal’s Max Dowman: ‘He Moves Like Messi!’")