Victor Ikpeba has warned Arsenal teenager Max Dowman to remain disciplined and patient following his record-breaking goal against Everton, highlighting the immense challenges of sustaining a career at the elite level.
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has advised Arsenal’s Max Dowman to stay grounded after becoming the Premier League’s youngest goalscorer.
Speaking on SuperSport, the former Super Eagles striker praised the 16-year-old’s “brilliant” solo effort but emphasized the need for long-term consistency.
Ikpeba noted the difficulty of the path ahead, stating, “The boy is a young lad. I wish he won’t get carried away quickly.”
The former Monaco forward highlighted that early promise does not guarantee future success, urging Dowman to trust manager Mikel Arteta’s development plan.
Ikpeba warned that many prodigies struggle to fulfill their potential without immense patience and work ethic.
Reflecting on the competition at a top club, he added, “He still has 10 or 15 years to prove that he can play football at the highest level.”