Arsenal have found the ‘next Lamine Yamal’ – he can ‘explode’ this season
Arsenal may have found the next Lamine Yamal and he could be set for a big breakout season in the Premier League.
The Gunners have had a busy transfer window, as they look to bridge the gap to title winners Liverpool in the upcoming campaign.
Viktor Gyokeres has been Mikel Arteta’s major signing of the summer, but the North London side have also brought in the likes of Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi.
However, the off-season has revealed that Arsenal have a star already within their ranks, with 15-year-old Max Dowman impressing in a number of friendlies over the last few weeks.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Dowman can replicate what Yamal has done at Barcelona.
Wayne Rooney story was ‘spectacular’ and Arsenal will benefit
This article contains exclusive comment from Keith Wyness, former Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen CEO.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Dowman is a real talent and has the potential to explode this season, despite still only being 15.
The Gunners youngster has featured for England at both under-16 and under-17 level, and can be utilised in midfield or on the right-wing.
Wyness added that Arsenal have to ensure Dowman is looked after properly, like Wayne Rooney was by Sir Alex Ferguson.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “When I was at Everton, we sold Rooney to United. A lot of the Everton staff thought that it would be okay to sell Rooney, because they thought that his body composition meant he would put on weight, lose a lot of his speed and become injury prone.
“Alex Ferguson, when he got him, put him on a very tight regime, and he kept his fitness, and Rooney went on to become the player that we all know he was with United. He was spectacular.
“With this kid, his body will change as well. And of course, these days, sports science and different things will work to his benefit and I just hope that it’s the best thing for him as a human being. If he’s got this great talent, then it’s fantastic to be able to use it.
“But with that question mark against the whole age situation. There’s no doubt that people can explode at that age. We’ve seen Lamine Yamal coming through in Barcelona right now. So young talent can do it. And every generation has one or two that will break through.
“Dowman is obviously exciting to watch. I did watch some of his runs against Newcastle the other day in the game. He’s a talent. I mean, there’s no doubt he’s got it all. The physical development will be the key thing to watch, and his mental development.
“I don’t want to see somebody who at 18 breaks down and starts living a party lifestyle, and it goes all wrong for him, that would be wrong. So I just hope he’s being looked after properly and I’m sure at Arsenal he will. I’ve got every faith that they will look after him.”
‘Arsenal plan to sell striker’
Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly planning to accept a Gabriel Jesus offer in the final month of the transfer window after the landmark capture of Gyokeres.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who claims that the 28-year-old is no longer a part of Arteta’s long-term plans.
Gyokeres’ arrival from Sporting CP has forced the Brazil international down the pecking order, where he has now become the third-choice striker.
Brown told Football Insider in November that Arsenal were planning to entertain offers for Jesus in January, before his cruciate ligament injury scuppered their plans.
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