Mikel Merino believes there are similarities between Arsenal's Max Dowman and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.
Dowman, who became the youngest scorer in Premier League history last season, impressed in Arsenal's EFL Cup win over Ipswich Town on Tuesday.
He scored twice in a 4-2 win at Portman Road, while also leading his side in duels won (8/17) and possessions won in the final third (three) in his first start this season.
Dowman is just the second 16-year-old to score two goals in a game for a Premier League side in all competitions, after Wayne Rooney in October 2002 for Everton against Wrexham, also in the EFL Cup.
The three youngest scorers in the competition for Premier League sides all did so for Arsenal, with Dowman (16 years 258 days) the second-youngest behind Cesc Fabregas (16y 212d) and ahead of Jack Wilshere (16y 266d).
Merino and Dowman won the Premier League together last term, while the Spaniard has also won both the World Cup and Euros with compatriot Yamal.
Yamal became a regular in Barca's first team at 16, and Merino was asked how the two teenagers compare.
"Yeah, I would say there are some similarities in terms of their character," Merino said.
"They don't care about the spotlight, they thrive when pressure is at the highest, they are always up for the challenge and they are not shy at all – even facing the biggest names in the game, so they are very similar.
"Obviously you want Max to shine and you want him to express himself and show everyone the talent that he has, but, at the same time, you have to sometimes remind them that they are human beings and they are part of a bigger squad and team.
"The good thing with these kind of players – Lamine and Max – is that they are special talents, but at the same time they are very humble. They are always keen to learn and listen to the veterans. That is priceless.
"So, we are very happy to have him, but at the same time he knows that we are here to help him and sometimes even if we push him a little bit, he knows it's for his own good. He is a very good kid."
legacydwayne
0
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂OK
Tebbceopst
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Dowman can't even lace Yamal's boots.
Bethlehem10
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Dude odegard and de bruyne is not similar at all odegard can actually dribble past pkayers de rut e could never but debruyne was much better at passing
Odegaard who can't even win for player of the month or season? Merino on the AM can challenge Bruno Fernandez for sure
Bethlehem10
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Nah your papa dae play with both of them ?
you still don't understand what we're talking about here?
Mukhtari
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Now we know why Arsenal's Shitty players, fans & Pundits waited 22 years for League title [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
it's Arsenal hatred that will kill u..
Darey102
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Homie just said there are some similarities, which is true...he's not comparing them,but some similarities are there for sure...y'all stop your criticism about Gunners...we're Champions anyway isn't it?
Nah your papa dae play with both of them ?
Barcelonakings
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Dowman similar to Yamal, Gym similar to Great Halaand, Ordeegard better than De Bryune....these shitty Arsenal players & fans should Fucking Shut their Mouth
Dude odegard and de bruyne is not similar at all odegard can actually dribble past pkayers de rut e could never but debruyne was much better at passing
Barcelonakings
1
Arsenal shitty players, fans & Pundit should b careful & b HUMBLE or else they will wait another 22 years for next title
Dude the guy plays for Spain and have seen yamal play close everyday in turnement and training games he knows what he is talking about m, and he never compared him to yamal he said they are similar which is true
Barcelonakings
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Homie just said there are some similarities, which is true...he's not comparing them,but some similarities are there for sure...y'all stop your criticism about Gunners...we're Champions anyway isn't it?
Exactly
Betram10
1
Homie just said there are some similarities, which is true...he's not comparing them,but some similarities are there for sure...y'all stop your criticism about Gunners...we're Champions anyway isn't it?
bezlmortuy
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100%
wusbmnrsz
2
Arsenal shitty players, fans & Pundit should b careful & b HUMBLE or else they will wait another 22 years for next title
Juzabikltz
0
this useless Barca team player eh
wusbmnrsz
1
Now we know why Arsenal's Shitty players, fans & Pundits waited 22 years for League title [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
wusbmnrsz
2
Dowman similar to Yamal, Gym similar to Great Halaand, Ordeegard better than De Bryune....these shitty Arsenal players & fans should Fucking Shut their Mouth
rokbcmntuy
2
Haha stop it!! Lamine is bigger than Arsenal as a club. 😎
ElishaMathias
1
imagine people saying let the kid be himself don't pressure him. yamal set standards already
Edooo87
4
Yamal from another level
kakcdorst
4
If Downman was in Spain, he could have been a week in week out starting player, but due to the physicality of epl, it would be hard for him to break in Arsenal's first eleven. and mind you, there's Saka and Madueke ahead of him in a peaking order