Walcott Sees Messi Spark in Arsenal Teen Dowman: A Rising Star to Watch
2025-08-26
The Independent
Theo Walcott, the former Arsenal winger, has drawn a surprising comparison between young Gunners midfielder Max Dowman and none other than Lionel Messi! The 15-year-old Dowman recently made his Premier League debut in Arsenal's victory over Leeds, and Walcott believes he possesses a key trait shared by the Argentinian legend: an uncanny ability to glide past defenders with ease.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Walcott praised Dowman’s composure and trickery on the ball, noting how he effortlessly navigates tight spaces and leaves opponents grasping at air. “He’s got that little bit of magic, that ability to just go past players,” Walcott explained. “It reminds me a little bit of Messi when he was younger – that low centre of gravity, the way he shifts the ball, and just that ability to wriggle free.”
While the comparison to Messi is undoubtedly high praise, Walcott’s comments highlight the immense potential Dowman possesses. The young midfielder has been generating buzz within Arsenal's academy for some time, and his Premier League debut signifies the faith manager Mikel Arteta has in his abilities. Dowman is known for his technical skill, vision, and a maturity beyond his years. He excels in creating opportunities for himself and his teammates, showcasing a keen understanding of the game.
The Leeds match provided a valuable opportunity for Dowman to experience the intensity of the Premier League. Coming on as a substitute, he demonstrated a calm and collected demeanor, quickly adapting to the pace of the game. Although his playing time was limited, he left a lasting impression on those who watched, further fueling the excitement surrounding his future.
It’s important to temper expectations, of course. Dowman is still very early in his development, and the path to becoming a regular first-team player at Arsenal is a challenging one. However, Walcott's observation, combined with Dowman's talent and Arteta’s willingness to give young players a chance, suggests a bright future for the Arsenal starlet. Could he be the next homegrown hero to grace the Emirates Stadium? Only time will tell, but for now, Arsenal fans have a new reason to be optimistic.
The emergence of Dowman is a testament to Arsenal’s commitment to developing young talent, a strategy that has yielded success in recent years with players like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe. With Dowman joining their ranks, the Gunners have added another exciting prospect to their squad, one who could potentially become a key player in the years to come. Keep an eye on Max Dowman – he’s a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of!
Speaking to Sky Sports, Walcott praised Dowman’s composure and trickery on the ball, noting how he effortlessly navigates tight spaces and leaves opponents grasping at air. “He’s got that little bit of magic, that ability to just go past players,” Walcott explained. “It reminds me a little bit of Messi when he was younger – that low centre of gravity, the way he shifts the ball, and just that ability to wriggle free.”
While the comparison to Messi is undoubtedly high praise, Walcott’s comments highlight the immense potential Dowman possesses. The young midfielder has been generating buzz within Arsenal's academy for some time, and his Premier League debut signifies the faith manager Mikel Arteta has in his abilities. Dowman is known for his technical skill, vision, and a maturity beyond his years. He excels in creating opportunities for himself and his teammates, showcasing a keen understanding of the game.
The Leeds match provided a valuable opportunity for Dowman to experience the intensity of the Premier League. Coming on as a substitute, he demonstrated a calm and collected demeanor, quickly adapting to the pace of the game. Although his playing time was limited, he left a lasting impression on those who watched, further fueling the excitement surrounding his future.
It’s important to temper expectations, of course. Dowman is still very early in his development, and the path to becoming a regular first-team player at Arsenal is a challenging one. However, Walcott's observation, combined with Dowman's talent and Arteta’s willingness to give young players a chance, suggests a bright future for the Arsenal starlet. Could he be the next homegrown hero to grace the Emirates Stadium? Only time will tell, but for now, Arsenal fans have a new reason to be optimistic.
The emergence of Dowman is a testament to Arsenal’s commitment to developing young talent, a strategy that has yielded success in recent years with players like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe. With Dowman joining their ranks, the Gunners have added another exciting prospect to their squad, one who could potentially become a key player in the years to come. Keep an eye on Max Dowman – he’s a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of!