Theo Walcott believes that Arsenal-young Max Dowman has shades of Lionel Messi after the 15-year-old in the 5-0 victory of the Gunners had played at Leeds United.
Dowman first appeared in the Emirates Stadium on Saturday at just 15 years and 234 days and became the second-youngest player in the Premier League history, slightly older than fellow shooter Ethan Nwaneri, who was 54 days younger when he debuted in 2022.
He is only the third player who once appears in the Premier League before he turns 16 and joins Nwaneri (15 years, 181 days) and Jeremy Monga of Leicester City (15 years, 271 days).
Dowman made an immediate impact in the 64th minute instead of Noni Madueke, tried two shots, completed three dribbles and won five of his seven duels.
He also earned the stop-time penalty that Viktor Gyokeres converted for his second goal of the game.
Walcott, who himself burst into the stage as a teenager, believes that Downman's ability to slide past the defenders is reminiscent of Messi.
“He is wearing the ball, he is faster with the ball. He is just like Messi. I remember that I played against Messi – when he was off the ball, he is not fast. Maybe it is because I was faster than most,” Walcott said.
“If he had the ball, he would just slide past people, easily sliding past me. [Dowman’s] I have that, he has the stop-start.
“What is really fascinating is that [Arsenal manager] Mikel Arteta will allow him to do that because it is his strength. “
Walcott, who spent 12 years at Arsenal after participation in 2006, believes that Dowman has the right kind of attitude to succeed at this level and praise the direct approach of the teenager.
“He has the ability you just can't teach it because he plays with that freedom,” Walcott continued.
“We talk about the love for football, football is sometimes boring to watch. Looking, he is not boring to see.
“He is so positive every time he has it and that is what I like about these players who are simply positive. It is so refreshing.”
Thinking about the pressure with which Dowman is confronted, Walcott emphasized the importance of a strong support network.
“The biggest challenge is the external noise and how he deals with even his school life, who even walk on the street and recognize him,” Walcott warned.
“That social media world, I didn't get through that, we didn't have that when we were younger. It was very different.”