Arteta hails “unbelievable” Dowman after Arsenal teen inspires Ipswich win
Mikel Arteta praised Max Dowman as “unbelievable” after the Arsenal teenager inspired a 4-2 EFL Cup victory over Ipswich on Tuesday.
Arteta handed Dowman his first appearance of the season, and the 16-year-old made the most of the opportunity, scoring twice and providing an assist in the third-round tie at Portman Road.
The Arsenal manager compared Dowman to Lionel Messi last season after the gifted playmaker emerged as a sensation at the age of just 15.
He made 13 appearances last term and became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history against Everton in March.
However, Arteta has been cautious with Dowman, who has frequently been named among the substitutes this season.
Before the Ipswich match, Arteta said Dowman “will have opportunities, and he has to earn them himself, like everyone else.”
With a talented and experienced Arsenal squad at his disposal, the Premier League champions have no need to rush the youngster’s development.
Even so, Arteta admitted that Dowman produced an outstanding display against Ipswich.
“He was unbelievable—unpredictable, able to go in any direction, so fluid. It was great to watch him play,” the Spaniard said.
Dowman’s previous appearance came in Arsenal’s final match of last season against Crystal Palace, by which time the Gunners had already secured the title.
Since then, he has completed his GCSE exams and is now looking ahead to a bright future with Arsenal.
Dowman’s potential is clear, but becoming a key player for Arsenal will not be easy. Many teenage stars have burst onto the scene before failing to fulfil their early promise, and Arteta is determined to guide and support his young players.
“He is only 16. We rarely see that in the Premier League,” Arteta said. “In this environment, we want to develop him, and we need to take care of him.”
With Dowman ready to make an impact, Arsenal return to action at Brighton on Saturday in their final match before the international break.
Arteta’s side have won all six of their matches this season across the Premier League, Champions League and EFL Cup.
After making several changes against Ipswich, Arteta was also impressed by the attitude shown by his fringe players.
“That is what we want—to approach every match and every competition with the same spirit, attitude and desire. So far, we are doing that,” he said.
