Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has praised teenage sensation Max Dowman after he became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history, while warning the club to protect the “special talent” from excessive early pressure.
Max Dowman, 16, stunned the Emirates on Saturday by slaloming past two defenders to score in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Everton.
The goal made him the youngest scorer in the Premier League era, leaving club icon Thierry Henry in awe.
Henry admitted on Monday Night Football, “I get goosebumps, to be honest,” but added, “We also need to protect him, and not go too far too early.”
Manager Mikel Arteta described Dowman as a “game-changer” who appeared unfazed by the global spotlight.
Despite the clamor for more appearances, the teenager is expected to feature sparingly over the coming weeks to focus on his upcoming GCSE examinations.
Fellow pundit Wayne Rooney supported this measured approach, noting that for a talent this young, “education first” remains the most important priority for his long-term development.