Arsenal fans all agree on wonderkid Max Dowman after Newcastle display - 'Generational'

Arsenal fans have compared wonderkid Max Dowman to Lionel Messi following his stunning pre-season outing. The youngster started on the bench for the Gunners in their pre-season friendly clash with Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

And with the two sides drawing 2-2 with half an hour left, the 15-year-old was introduced as a second-half substitute. And Dowman produced some heroics to help the North London side victory.

He displayed sensational skill down the right flank, with one particular solo run resulting in him being fouled by Newcastle midfielder Joelinton for Arsenal’s late penalty. Martin Odegaard eventually scored.

And taking to social media after the game, Arsenal fans were full of praise for Dowman and his performance, some even comparing him to Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. One fan said: “Max Dowman. The Future Of England Football. You don’t come across this very often. Generational.”

A further added: “Max Dowman could be one of Arsenal's best ever academy products. At fifteen, there aren’t many who have shown this type of flair and determination in men’s football against premier league opposition.The future is bright.”

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“I don’t think people realize how good Max Dowman is and what he could become. At 15, he looked like the best player on the pitch,” another fan responded. “This is a Lamine Yamal level of talent. Arteta and Arsenal will not be able to keep him out of the side for much longer. He’s decisive.”

“Lionel Messi, I hope you enjoyed your time as the greatest football of all time because Max Dowman is here now,” another Arsenal supporter said, with another writing: “Messi wasn’t this good at 15. Max Dowman might just be his heir.”

Elsewhere, Arsenal fan Piers Morgan was also full of praise for Dowman. He wrote: “This kid is the real deal.. 15 years old and running rings round Newcastle’s first team? Nuts.. and so exciting.”

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Dowman, 15, will hope that his positive outing against Newcastle is enough to force him into Mikel Arteta’s thinking for the new season. The youngster has yet to make his first-team competitive debut for the club but is already a regular for the Arsenal under 18s despite his age.

Dowman, who is an England under-17 international, made his Premier League 2 debut last term. Speaking about Dowman’s latest appearance, boss Mikel Arteta said: “Yeah, it is special.

“Obviously what he's done today against this team in the time that he had on the pitch is something certainly not common to witness for a 15-year-old. We are extremely happy to have him.

“I think again the environment that he's around in, his family, the people at the club and around the academy as well, super helpful because they put him into this position so early in his journey, having a real chance and a real presence when he plays for the first time.”

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