Max Dowman shows he is worth the hype with incredible display for Arsenal

Max Dowman showed he really is the real deal with a sensational display in Arsenal's pre-season clash with Girona.

Dowman, still just 16, wowed everyone with his contributions for the Gunners last season - notably his goal against Everton when he become the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.

He went on to youngest player to win the Premier League after featuring six times and the special talent looks set to make an even bigger impact next term.

Dowman was handed a start in Arsenal's pre-season game against Girona and he produced an outrageous assist for the opening goal.

Dowman received the ball on the right flank under pressure, showing incredible strength to hold off the challenge.

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He then dribbled away from two opponents and delivered a perfectly-weighted through ball for Kai Havertz to slot home.

It was a passage of play that Lionel Messi would have been proud of and proved that Dowman is every bit deserving of the hype he receives.

Dowman then followed it up later on by scoring Arsenal's third goal, cutting in off the right and finding the near post with a neatly placed strike.

Reacting to his performance on X, one user wrote: "Max Dowman showing why he's a Gem again. Absolute baller."

A second said: "Max Dowman is gonna be superstar, what a talent he is at 16 years of age wow."

A third commented: "Arsenal’s very own. Max dowman. This kid is the truth."

Another added: "Arsenal need to tie down Max dowman to a lengthy contract.. 7 years."

What is Max Dowman's contract situation?

Dowman only turned 16 in December and is still unable to change with the rest of his Arsenal teammates because of his age. With safeguarding rules in play, those who are under 18 must change in a separate changing room.

Dowman's age means he is also yet to sign a professional contract as he cannot do so until he turns 17.

But in January 2026, he committed his future to the club by penning a pre-contract agreement.

It means he will sign professional terms on his next birthday on New Year's Eve (31 December).

Dowman has been at Arsenal since he was eight, joining from Billericay Town.

Commenting on the development with his contract earlier this year, he said: "I've been at the club my whole life, so this really means a lot.

"There's such a clear pathway here, players who have come through our academy, like Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, who all really inspire me.

"It's amazing to have role models so close that have experienced the same thing that I have."

He is now listed as a scholar for the first half season before his professional deal comes into play.

With his pint-sized stature and mesmeric dribbling, Dowman has been likened to eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi and Mikel Arteta said he is "certainly one of the best" talents he has managed.