Arsenal’s latest wonderkid, Max Dowman, is already being tipped for stardom after making his Premier League debut at just 15 years and 234 days in the 5-0 win over Leeds United. The winger became the club’s second-youngest player and left a strong impression in a half-hour cameo that showcased flair, confidence, and fearlessness well beyond his years. Theo Walcott, who knows what it is like to be thrust into the limelight as a teenager, compared Dowman’s style to Lionel Messi.
00:00Arsenal's latest wonderkid, Max Downman, has already been tipped for stardom after making his Premier League debut at just 15 years and 234 days in the 5-0 win over Leeds United.
00:12The winger became the club's second youngest player and left a strong impression in a half-hour cameo that showcased flair, confidence and fearlessness well beyond his years.
00:23Theo Walcott, who also knows what it's like to be thrust into the limelight as a teenager, compared Downman's style to Lionel Messi.
00:31Walcott noted the similarities in how the youngster carries the ball at speed, using his low centre of gravity to glide past players and find them out.
00:41For Walcott, what is most striking is Downman's willingness to play to his strengths.
00:45He's quicker with the ball, he's got two stop-starts, that's refreshing, he said.
00:50Downman's rise has been rapid, still at secondary school, he's been playing under 18 football since the age of 13 and was in line to break the record as Premier League's youngest player last season, but age restrictions prevented it.
01:04Now he has the chance to make another piece of history by becoming the league's youngest ever goalscorer, a record still held by Everton's James Vaughan from 2005.
01:15Mikel Arteta was effusive in his praise, calling Downman a kid with zero hesitation, who brings joy and emotion to the team.
01:24That faith was visible against Leeds as senior players looked eager to help him shine.
01:30Declan Rice even passed up a shooting chance to feed the teenager, and teammates appeared ready to let him take a late penalty.
01:39Though a goal did not come, the feeling is inevitable.
01:42The key now will be managing the pressure.
01:46Wolcott stressed the importance of Downman having the right support network to balance school life, social media, scrutiny and the demands of elite football.
01:57But Arsenal fans can already sense they are witnessing something special.
02:02Downman has the talent, mentality and trust of his manager.
02:05The only question is how quickly the landmark moments will arrive in a career that promises to be extraordinary.
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