Positive Dowman plays like Messi - Walcott

Max Dowman became the second-youngest player to play for Arsenal when he came on against Leeds

Arsenals 15-year-old winger Max Dowman reminds Theo Walcott of Lionel Messi and is "so refreshing" to watch.

Dowman made his Gunners debut in Saturdays 5-0 Premier League rout of Leeds at the age of 15 years and 234 days, making him the clubs second-youngest player.

And having watched the teenager in action, Walcott says his style reminds him of Argentina icon Messi - the ability to move quickly with the ball and use of a low centre of gravity to make defenders "tired".

"Whats really fascinating is that [Arsenal manager] Mikel Arteta will allow him to do that because thats his strength," said Walcott, who spent 12 years at Arsenal after joining the club in 2006.

"He carries the ball, hes quicker with the ball. Hes like Messi. I remember playing against Messi - when he was off the ball hes not quick. Maybe its because I was quicker than most.

"When he had the ball he would just glide past people, glide past me with ease. [Dowmans] got that, hes got the stop-start."

Dowmans attitude also impressed Walcott, who said his positive and direct approach is something where "he could do it all day".

"Hes got ability where you just cant teach it, because he plays with that freedom," added Walcott.

"We talk about the love of football, football being boring at times to watch. Watching, hes not boring to watch.

"Hes so positive every time he has it and thats what I love about these players that are just positive. Its so refreshing."

Walcott knows all about the pressure Dowman will face, having made his own Premier League debut for Arsenal at 16 and for England a year later.

He admitted having a proper support network around Dowman was "important" and the "main key" to his progress.

"The biggest challenge is the outside noise and how he copes with even his school life, that balance of even walking out on the street and recognising him," Walcott added on BBC Radio 5 Lives Monday Night Club.

"That social media world, I didnt have that coming through, we didnt have that when we were younger. It was very different."

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Dowman, 15, impresses on Arsenal debut