‘Not common to witness this at 15' – Mikel Arteta joins Arsenal fans in being blown away by Max Dowman against Newcastle
Dowman, 15, stole the show in a half hour cameo as the Gunners edged out Newcastle 3-2 in a friendly.
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The teenager made a mockery of established Premier League defenders during the clash in Singapore as he won the penalty - scored by Martin Odegaard - which sealed the deal in Arsenal 's favour.
He didn't just pass the eye test either, with an impressive stat line including two out of three successful dribbles, two shots on target and being the most fouled player in the whole game hammering home his potential.
Speaking after the match, even Arsenal boss Arteta was unable to tone down his high-hopes for the prodigy.
He said: "Yeah, it is special. Obviously what he's done today against this team in the time that he had on the pitch is something certainly not common to witness for a 15-year-old.
"We are extremely happy to have him. I think again the environment that he's around in.
"His family, the people at the club and around the academy as well, super helpful because they put him into this position so early in his journey, having a real chance and a real presence when he plays for the first time."
Despite not turning 16 until December, Dowman will be eligible to star for the Emirates outfit's first team next season.
And Arsenal fans have high hopes for the youngster's upcoming season.
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Talk TV host and Sun columnist Piers Morgan said on social media: "This kid is the real deal.. 15 years old and running rings round Newcastle's first team? Nuts.. and so exciting."
A second said: " Lionel Messi, I hope you enjoyed your time as the greatest footballer of all time because Max Dowman is here now."
Arsenal CONFIRM £63.5million Viktor Gyokeres transfer as striker takes iconic No14 made famous by Thierry Henry
A third added: "I don't think people realize how good Max Dowman is and what he could become. At 15, he looked like the best player on the pitch. This is a Lamine Yamal level of talent."
Another said: "Hale End producing a world beater in Max Dowman. Doing this against senior Newcastle players to win a penalty at 15?? Lost for words…"
A fifth said: "Can't lie Max Dowman might be the best 15 yr old English player I have seen. The kid is a joke."
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