Dowman draws Messi comparison from Terry after making Premier League history

John Terry drew comparison between Arsenal’s Max Dowman and Lionel Messi after the 16-year-old made history against Everton.

Dowman became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Premier League during an inspired cameo that saw him lead Arsenal to a 2-0 win over Everton.

He played a crucial role in Viktor Gyokeres' 89th-minute opener before scoring with virtually the last kick of the game to net his first goal at age 16 years and 73 days.

Dowman took the record that had been held by Everton's James Vaughan since 2005.

And his strike also meant there has now been a Premier League scorer in every year of the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.

But Terry heaped high praise on the youngster's overall game, likening him to one of the greats in Messi.

"Max Dowman. What a player, by the way," Terry said in a video posted on his TikTok page. "16 years of age, almost 17, absolutely incredible.

"I watched him play against Chelsea about a year ago – and I've not seen anyone glide past people like this man does, other than [Lionel] Messi.

"That's a big, big comparison, but this man is a proper talent and will play a big part in Arsenal's future, and also England's as well."

Dowman has made seven appearances for Arsenal this season, with two of those from the start – he became the Gunners' youngest-ever starter against Brighton in the EFL Cup fourth round back in October.

Mikel Arteta has made it clear he wants Dowman to keep his feet on the ground, but Wayne Rooney, who had been the Premier League's youngest scorer when he netted for Everton against Arsenal as a 16-year-old in 2002, says it is important to let him enjoy his achievement.

"Let him enjoy it and go and express himself," he said on BBC's 'The Wayne Rooney ‌Show'.

"Mikel Arteta, some of the senior players in the Arsenal squad, will not let him get ahead of himself. But I think you have to enjoy it as well.

"What an opportunity for him to be around the squad. He could be a Premier League winner when he's still finishing school off.

"So when we've got a young lad like that coming through as a 16-year-old, he's clearly got a ‌lot of ability, and you just ​hope he can go and fulfil that ‌potential.

"He's got an aura and a belief about him, and it was the same against Everton."