Arteta backs Dowman after Messi's prediction of stardom

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 07:56 · Archive

Mikel Arteta has endorsed Lionel Messi's prediction that Arsenal teenager Max Dowman will become a future star.

Lionel Messi has named Max Dowman among ten young players he expects to become future stars, in a new Adidas advertisement released as the Argentine marked his retirement from international football. Dowman, 16, is already established in Arsenal's first-team squad.

Mikel Arteta responded positively to Messi's endorsement. 'If Messi, who is the best ever player, says that, his eyes are I think better than anybody else's. Hopefully he's right,' Arteta said. Following the prediction, Dowman wore Messi's new Adidas boots as Arsenal trained ahead of their Champions League match against Lille.

Arteta was asked what made Dowman stand out to someone of Messi's stature. The manager said Dowman 'got something special' and described him as 'a joy to watch'. He highlighted the teenager's movement, touch and composure as exceptional. 'That's somebody that is touched with a special gift,' Arteta said. Dowman made his competitive debut as a 15-year-old last season, becoming the youngest player ever to appear in the Champions League and the youngest scorer in Premier League history. This season his only start came in a 4-2 Carabao Cup victory against Ipswich, in which he scored twice and won man of the match.

How it is being reported

• Mikel Arteta responds to Lionel Messi’s bold Max Dowman predictionMax Dowman is Arsenal’s rising star (Picture: Getty) Mikel Arteta has responded positively to Lionel Messi ’s prediction that Arsenal starlet Max Dowman is on the road to greatness. The 16-year-old is already firmly established as part of the Premier League champions’ first team squad and is…Metro · 13 Oct, 07:44
• Mikel Arteta backs Arsenal star after surprise Lionel Messi predictionGunners’ starlet has been recognised by the GOATEvening Standard · 12 Oct, 22:30

In this story: Max Dowman · Mikel Arteta · Lionel Messi · Arsenal · Adidas

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