John Terry makes Lionel Messi claim with Max Dowman after Arsenal beat Everton | Football

John Terry has compared Max Dowman to Lionel Messi after Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Everton on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta’s side endured a nervy game at the Emirates Stadium but the introduction of Dowman with 16 minutes to go gave the Gunners a boost as his cross sparked Viktor Gyokeres’ goal in the 89th minute.

Dowman then became the Premier League’s youngest-ever goalscorer with a brilliant solo effort to secure the win for Arsenal in injury time.

The 16-year-old countered from Everton’s corner as he nodded the ball past Vitalii Mykolenko before leaving Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on the ground with a brilliant change of direction.

In a video on TikTok shortly after the full-time whistle, Terry said he was blown away by Dowman’s ability having already watched the Arsenal midfielder in action against Chelsea’s academy side last year.

‘Max Dowman, what a player by the way, 16 years of age, absolutely incredible,’ Terry said.

‘I watched him play against Chelsea about a year ago and I’ve not seen anyone glide past people like this man does, other than Messi.

‘That’s a big, big comparison but this man is a proper talent and will play a big part in Arsenal’s future and also England as well.

‘Super, super talent. Big, big win for them [Arsenal] today.’

Speaking about Dowman’s excellent display after Arsenal’s win, Arteta said: ‘Yesterday he was training and in the last few days and I had a gut feeling that it was a moment for him. Probably because he doesn’t seem to be fazed by the occasion or the moment or the context or the opponent. He just plays so naturally. He makes decisions to make things happen and what he delivered was incredible.

‘I think his character, his personality and the fact that he doesn’t seem to be fazed by the pressure or his teammates or the opponent.

‘I’ve seen a lot of players with talent but at 16, very few that can cope with that level of demand.’

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