‘Reminds me of Gazza’: Arsenal Invincible hails ‘unbelievable’ Max Dowman | OneFootball

Arsenal teenager praised as excitement builds around ‘gifted’ midfielder

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Former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack says Max Dowman’s playing style reminds him of Paul Gascoigne.

Dowman has been tipped for a bright future by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Stack can see why there is so much of a buzz around him.

“I think it is unbelievable, I really do,” said Stack, who was speaking ahead of A Night To Remember.

Max Dowman became the second-youngest player in Premier League history last month

Getty Images

“I have watched him a few times, only since he has been recently highlighted.

“From what I have seen, he is such a gifted, talented young player - who has been given an opportunity and taken it.

“It reminds me of Gazza. When I was growing up, Gazza was my hero and I loved the way he played football.

“He just played off the cuff sometimes, just played with freedom. Every time he had the ball, he looked like he was enjoying it and had a smile on his face.

“I look at Max and he has definitely got some similar qualities to Gazza in that respect, because he looks like he is just a natural footballer with the way he moves with the ball, his IQ, the things he sees, the pictures he sees.

Paul Gascoigne celebrates scoring for England against Scotland at Euro ‘96

Getty Images

“It just seems to be second nature to him. I love seeing young players coming through, because I have been there.

“Not as young as him, but I know how special it is. It is nice to see young players get given a chance.

“In recent years, there has been quite a few that have come through. I definitely think the club is doing something right behind the scenes.”

Stack, like Dowman, came through Arsenal’s academy and was part of a successful youth team that won the FA Youth Cup twice in a row in 2000 and 2001.

The former goalkeeper was given the opportunity to train with the first team regularly during that time and he has revealed that was a huge bonus.

Dowman has been given similar exposure by Arsenal and has been training with the senior squad since he was 14.

“The whole experience is unreal because of the players you are playing with and training with,” said Stack.

“But it is what you pick up and what you learn. You are not going to get that training with your own age group.

“The intensity goes through the roof, the quality is driven by top internationals. When you go there, you see what the bar is.

Pro Project Promotions is putting on A Night To Remember on the 18th October where former footballers step into the boxing ring, with the aim of raising £500,000 for charity within a year. Head to ProProjectPromotions.com to book your table.