Mikel Merino has compared Max Dowman’s mentality to that of Lamine Yamal after the Arsenal prospect scored twice in a 4-2 victory over Ipswich.
Dowman has already received several first-team opportunities from Mikel Arteta and impressed after making his first appearance of the season at Portman Road on Tuesday. The 16-year-old forward’s composed double helped Arsenal reach the Carabao Cup last 16, while Arteta acknowledged that controlling the growing excitement around the England youth international is challenging.
Arsenal are taking a cautious approach to Dowman’s progress, and Merino understands how promising youngsters can develop by following guidance from coaches and experienced teammates. The midfielder plays alongside Lamine Yamal for Spain and feels Dowman displays the same fearlessness as the 19-year-old winger.
“Their personalities share certain qualities,” he said. “Neither of them is troubled by attention. They perform at their best when the pressure is greatest, embrace every challenge and show no fear, even when competing against the game’s leading players.”
Merino, who was also on the scoresheet against Ipswich, was full of praise for Dowman. “He is an exceptional prospect. We already understood his potential, but whenever he steps onto the field against experienced professionals, he has a real impact. He possesses enormous ability, and we must guide him carefully.
“We need to continue challenging him. He must remain eager to learn and pay close attention to everything around him. There are still many aspects of his game that can improve, and he understands that. We will support him as he works towards reaching his full potential.
“Finding the right balance can be difficult. Naturally, you want him to express himself and demonstrate his quality, but young players must also remember that they are human and belong to a much larger squad and collective.
“What makes players such as Lamine and Max so encouraging is that, despite their extraordinary ability, they remain grounded. They want to improve and are willing to learn from senior teammates. That attitude is invaluable.”
Merino also complimented Marli Salmon following the 17-year-old’s impressive display against Ipswich. “Playing at centre-back requires a great deal of maturity,” he said.
“Avoiding errors is essential because every decision can have a major impact. Like Max, he is an outstanding prospect. We try to pass on what we have learned, and both of them respond extremely well to advice.”
What do you feel about this post?
Like
Love
Happy
Haha
Sad
