Jack Wilshere hails Arsenal academy star Max Dowman after record-breaking rise | OneFootball

Jack Wilshere has hailed 16-year-old Arsenal prospect Max Dowman after a blistering ascent through the club’s ranks, capped by first-team breakthroughs and age-defying records.

"Max played for my 18s team when he was 13. I remember calling my dad because I played for the 18s when I was 14. I was like, 'was 13 too young?'" he told BBC Sport.

"In the first game we could clearly see that he was ready for it. And I remember calling my dad and saying, 'you need to come watch this kid'. My dad did, and my dad's very biased, as you could imagine. But even he said, 'he's better than you'."

Dowman made 13 senior appearances last season and scored his first senior goal. He has since become the youngest Premier League winner, the youngest Champions League player and Arsenal’s youngest ever starter.

He has begun this campaign in sharp form, hitting a brace against Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup to underline his progress.

"I got to see Mikel and how he coached and the influence he was having," the Luton Town head coach said.

"I had to learn how to teach."

Source: Goal.com

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