Arsenal’s Max Dowman has become the youngest player to appear in a Champions League knockout match, breaking the previous record held by Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
Arsenal starlet Max Dowman made history during Wednesday’s 1-0 quarter-final victory over Sporting CP.
At 16 years and 97 days old, the midfielder surpassed Lamine Yamal’s previous record to become the youngest player ever to feature in the competition’s knockout stages.
David Raya praised the youngster’s fearless approach, stating, “They’re alike in that every time they step on the pitch they enjoy playing and are always playing with a smile.”
The record-breaking appearance follows a stellar season for the teenager, who also holds the title of the Premier League’s youngest-ever goalscorer.
Dowman, who is expected to sign a professional contract when he turns 17 in December, has already become a fixture in Mikel Arteta’s matchday squads.
Regarding the prodigy’s natural talent, Raya added, “It seems like they’re playing at school. They go out there to play and to enjoy themselves.”