Arteta says Arsenal must protect ‘amazing’ 16-year-old Max Dowman from growing hype

Mikel Arteta says it will be difficult to contain the attention surrounding Max Dowman after the 16-year-old scored twice in Arsenal’s 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town in the third round of the English League Cup.

Dowman became the second-youngest player, after Wayne Rooney for Everton in 2002, to score two goals in a single match for a club in the English league.

The teenager’s goals were part of an impressive Arsenal display, with Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino also on target. The result extended Arsenal’s perfect start to the season to six wins in all competitions, with no draws or defeats.

Arteta praised Dowman’s ability to influence a match while also carrying out his defensive responsibilities.

“Max, yes, it is natural that people talk about him when he scores and creates the moments he created tonight. That is normal,” Arteta told Sky Sports.

“He can do these things with ease, so to speak. I think that is his biggest quality, as well as his commitment defensively and his ability to keep carrying out his tasks, which is not easy.

“He is 16 years old and he can create moments, but the most important thing is that he maintains his level throughout the match.”

Arteta believes Dowman is adapting increasingly well to the demands placed on Arsenal players.

“With the demands we put on them, being able to do that is extremely difficult, but he is dealing with it better and better and better,” he added.

The Arsenal manager also highlighted the youngster’s character and enthusiasm for playing at the highest level.

“He is an amazing player because of his personality and how much he loves playing on the biggest stage,” said Arteta.

“It is not easy to contain the hype around him. I understand that, but what we have to do is look after him. He is 16 years old. You do not see that in this league.”

Arteta said Dowman still had plenty of areas in which he needed to develop, despite his early impact.

“There are many things he needs to grow and improve in, but for him to already be doing what he is doing at 16 is truly amazing,” he said.

Arsenal’s six victories this season comprise four in the Premier League, one in the Champions League and one in the English League Cup.