Eberechi Eze has hailed Arsenal youngster Max Dowman as a ‘special, special’ player as he continues to collect records in North London. The midfielder has made a name for himself with the Gunners this season.

His appearance against Mansfield Town in the FA Cup saw him become the club’s youngest ever player in the competition. He is also the youngest-ever player to have played in the Champions League, Arsenal’s youngest starter and youngest Premier League player for the club.

Eze, signed for £60m from Crystal Palace in the summer, has been asked about his abilities and appears to be a big fan. He said: “He is a special, special player.

“To be able to play in these types of conditions and do so well on the ball, and dribble the way he was, showed he is a special talent. We are all trying to support and help him as much as possible to grow, improve and fulfil his potential.”

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He added: “Max is very different to a lot of players, but he is someone that is confident. He believes in his ability a lot. To be fair, that is the same with a lot of the players coming through the academy these days.

“Once they come to train with the first team, they believe in themselves. It is a positive energy to be around.

“He is a special player, but also a special person as well. You can see that he is maturing well and he’s a good guy. It’s fun to be around.”

Eze is far from the only one to have praised Dowman for his performances so far. Mikel Arteta also hailed the 16-year-old for his outing against Mansfield.

He said: “Very proud of him, very proud as well of Marli. Obviously, two 16-year-olds starting in the FA Cup. That tells us a lot about them, their personality and the quality that they have. And Max, I think he was exceptional."

"When the ball is bouncing all over the place and you have people in your back, the way he handles time and space and the touches that he takes, it's just incredible. Especially at the speed that he delivers those actions. But that tells you the talent that we have."

Dowman will hope to continue having an impact at Arsenal over the coming weeks. The Gunners continue their Champions League journey in midweek as they travel to Bayer Leverkusen.

Arteta’s side will then turn their attention back to their push for the Premier League title as they welcome Everton to the Emirates Stadium.

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