Arsenal have had a bright start to their 2025/26 campaign with a couple of wins under their belt in the Premier League against Man United and Leeds United.
While the new signings like Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi are settling in nicely to Mikel Arteta's system, teenage sensation Max Dowman also made a significant impact on his Premier League debut against Leeds.
The 15-year-old is only the second-youngest player to feature in the Premier League only behind Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri.
However, he showed exceptional close control, technical ability and ball retention skills as he helped Arsenal earn a penalty on debut as the Gunners hammered Leeds 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
Following the game, the netizens and pundits have been raving about the 15-year-old and former Arsenal star Theo Walcott has joined the bandwagon.
Walcott feels Dowman's movement and ability with the ball reminded him of Argentine icon Lionel Messi.
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While it may sound outrageous to many but Dowman's ability to use his low center of gravity to glide past defenders make one understand why Walcott feels there's similarities with the Barcelona legend.
"What's really fascinating is that [Arsenal manager] Mikel Arteta will allow him to do that because that's his strength," Walcott said on BBC's Football Daily podcast.
"He carries the ball, he's quicker with the ball. He's like Messi. I remember playing against Messi - when he was off the ball he's not quick. Maybe it's because I was quicker than most.
"When he had the ball he would just glide past people, glide past me with ease. [Dowman's] got that, he's got the stop-start."
What did Walcott say about the pressure that Dowman will face in the coming days?
Walcott made his Arsenal debut at 16 followed by his England national team debut a year later and went on to feature in 397 appearances for the North London outfit, winning several silverwares during his 12-year stint at Arsenal.
Hence, he understands the pressure that could come Dowman's way from an early age and wants the youngster to shut out outside noise.
"The biggest challenge is the outside noise and how he copes with even his school life, that balance of even walking out on the street and recognizing him.
"That social media world, I didn't have that coming through, we didn't have that when we were younger. It was very different."
Given his popularity and capabilities, Dowman will get more opportunities for Arsenal in the ongoing season, and it will be interesting to see how the youngster continues his develop under Arteta.
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