Cristhian Mosquera has described Max Dowman as “incredible”, comparing the 15-year-old’s style to that of Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona prodigy who has already become a senior international with 23 caps.
The 21-year-old defender, who joined from Valencia in a £13 million summer move, has settled quickly into life in north London and has been impressed by the talent emerging from Arsenal’s academy.
Speaking to The Athletic, Mosquera said: “I do not mean to compare, but his style and way of playing is like Lamine Yamal. His movements are Lamine-esque.”
Mosquera first encountered Dowman during Arsenal’s pre-season tour. “I did not have him on my radar and when I got to Singapore, he was already training and playing,” he said. “When they told me he was 15, I could not believe it. He really is an incredible player, and I think he is going to be world-class.”
Dowman’s rise has been one of the stories of the season. At 15 years, seven months and 23 days, he became Arsenal’s second-youngest Premier League debutant when he came off the bench against Leeds United in August, immediately winning a late penalty in a 5-0 win.
Yamal, meanwhile, made his La Liga debut for Barcelona when he was almost two months older than Dowman was for his debut.
Mosquera’s comments underline how highly the youngster is regarded inside the dressing room. “He really is an incredible player,” he said, summing up the excitement surrounding the teenager.