'Messi, Neymar, Yamal level talent' - Arsenal fans left 'speechless' by Max Dowman after 15-year-old impresses against Newcastle

Dowman entered the game with the scores level on the hour mark. The 15-year-old showed remarkable confidence, routinely picking up the ball and driving at the heart of the Newcastle defence. He drew two smart saves out of Nick Pope, and John Ruddy, before cannily drawing a foul from Joelinton inside his own penalty area. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard dispatched the ensuing spot kick, earning Arsenal the victory in an exciting game in Singapore.

Supporters PatrickTimmons1, perhaps somewhat sarcastically, compared the 15-year-old to the GOAT. Posting on X: "Lionel Messi, I hope you enjoyed your time as the greatest football of all time because Max Dowman is here now.

Another fan, 2SAFC invoked Messi's name as well as comparing Dowman to Lamine Yamal, writing: "Another win for #Arsenal. 🔴⚪️ Two games, Two wins. ✨Max Dowman, Ill let him do the talking, in my opinion... The next Lionel Messi, all for Lamine Yamal succeeding but this guy is 15, and arguably his level. ⚡️"

FTProgression added: "Max Dowman.... I am speechless. This is a Messi, Neymar, Yamal level talent."

And EduardoHagn also joined in with a similar post: "MAX DOWMAN WTF. He’s like Yamal. He’s like Messi. He wins a penalty for Arsenal."

Mikel Arteta was effusive in his praise of the youngster after the final whistle. He called the 15-year-old "special", and heralded the work of Dowman's "family, the people at the club, and around the academy" in getting the player ready for his chance in the first team.

It is telling that Arteta called on Dowman to replace Bukayo Saka, as the Arsenal manager tended towards his more senior players in this fixture. There were starting spots for fellow teenagers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, but given their heavy involvement in the 2024/25 campaign, their inclusion was a given. Andre Harriman-Annous and Marli Ellis Salmon eventually made their way on to the pitch, but Dowman's 30-minute cameo could be a sign that Arteta intends to include the winger in his first-team plans going forward.

The 15-year-old can continue to grow his standing with his teammates and coaches in the remainder of Arsenal's pre-season. The Gunners head to Hong Kong for a north London derby with Tottenham, before returning to the Emirates for games against Villarreal and Athletic Club.