Arsenal fans are all saying the same thing about Max Dowman after Ipswich performance

Max Dowman has made history once again.

The 16-year-old became the youngest player to start a Premier League game last season, and of course scored a stunning goal against Everton to become the youngest ever goalscorer in the league.

But he’s yet to feature in the Premier League or the Champions League this season. Mikel Arteta promised Dowman that he’d get his opportunities, as long as he earns them. Well, he certainly earned them at Portman Road on Tuesday night.

The Arsenal teenager scored a brace in a 4-2 Carabao Cup victory over Ipswich, becoming the second 16-year-old to score twice in a game for a Premier League side, matching Wayne Rooney’s record that has stood for 24 years.

His all-round performance had Arsenal fans giving him the highest compliments they could find.

Arsenal fans are already comparing Max Dowman to Lionel Messi

The Lionel Messi comparisons were everywhere.

For his first goal, Dowman confidently glided up the pitch after taking the ball from Viktor Gyokeres, skinned Cedric Kipre and rifled the ball past Christian Walton in goal.

“It just really is Messi-esque,” one fan wrote. “He runs at 100mph with full control of the ball and full composure. It ain’t no joke.”

Another added: “Max Dowman reminds us of Messi every time he plays.”

A third went further: “I genuinely hate drawing these comparisons, but I promise the way Max Dowman takes this goal is almost like every other clip you’ll watch from a 2009 Messi comp.”

Football analyst @pythaginboots went into a bit more detail: “Feels so obvious he’s going to cut inside, yet feels like he has a shoulder drop to his stronger foot too. RW, CAM and LW players need to be on their toes because Max Dowman is soon coming for your spot for club and country. Filthy silk and composure. Star boy.”

Dowman is now the second youngest player to score in the League Cup for a Premier League side after Cesc Fabregas, also for Arsenal. Ironically, the third youngest is Jack Wilshere. All three were 16 and all three were Arsenal players.

Another record broken and a man of the match display. How long can Arteta keep him out of the Premier League thinking?