Home / Sports / Arteta likens teen star to Messi
Arteta likens teen star to Messi
30 Jan
Summary
- Youngest player to debut for Arsenal signed contract.
- Teen prodigy compared to Lionel Messi by manager.
- Arteta advocates for larger Premier League squads.
Max Dowman, who recently made history as the youngest player to appear in the Champions League at 15 years and 308 days, has signed a pre-agreement for his first professional contract with Arsenal. This commitment secures the teenager's future with the club he joined at the age of six. Manager Mikel Arteta has lauded Dowman's potential, comparing him to a young Lionel Messi and noting his exceptional composure.
Arteta, who began his career at Barcelona, praised Dowman's unique talent and personality. The young forward, also the youngest player to start a match for Arsenal, is currently sidelined with an ankle injury. Meanwhile, Arteta has urged the Premier League to increase matchday squad sizes from 20 to 23, citing the positive impact on player mental health.
The Arsenal manager also addressed his close relationship with Manchester City's Pep Guardiola, dismissing concerns about maintaining contact with a rival. Arteta cited the sportsmanship exemplified by tennis stars Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as an inspiration for fostering respectful relationships among competitors.
