Home / Football / Premier League News John Terry makes Lionel Messi claim about Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman Dowman is the youngest goalscorer in the Premier League Written by Tom Rostance Last Update: March 15, 2026 10:19:36 am GMT 3 min read Chelsea legend John Terry compared Arsenals Max Dowman to Lionel Messi after the teenager wrote his name into Premier League history with a stunning cameo against Everton. Mikel Artetas side secured a vital 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, extending their lead at the top of the table to 10 points and it was 16-year-old Dowman who stole the show.Table of Contents1 Dowman makes instant impact off the bench2 Terry: Ive only seen Messi glide past people like that3 Dowmans wonder goal seals historic night4 Arteta praises teenagers fearless mentalityDowman makes instant impact off the benchIntroduced with just 16 minutes remaining, Dowman immediately energised Arsenals attack. His dangerous cross sparked Viktor Gyokeres opening goal in the 89th minute before the midfielder became the Premier Leagues youngest-ever goalscorer with a brilliant solo strike in injury time.The teenagers second-half cameo left watching pundits speechless, with Terry particularly effusive in his praise after the final whistle.Terry: Ive only seen Messi glide past people like thatIn a video posted to TikTok shortly after full-time, the former England captain lavished praise on Dowmans ability, having previously watched him in action against Chelseas academy side last year.Max Dowman, what a player by the way, 16 years of age, absolutely incredible, Terry said.I watched him play against Chelsea about a year ago and Ive not seen anyone glide past people like this man does, other than Messi. Thats a big, big comparison but this man is a proper talent and will play a big part in Arsenals future and also England as well.Super, super talent. Big, big win for them [Arsenal] today.Dowmans wonder goal seals historic nightDowmans goal Arsenals second of the evening was a moment of pure individual brilliance. Countering from an Everton corner, the youngster nodded the ball past Vitalii Mykolenko before leaving Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sprawling on the turf with a devastating change of direction.The strike made Dowman, at 16 years and 72 days, the youngest player ever to score in the Premier League.Arteta praises teenagers fearless mentalitySpeaking after Arsenals crucial win, Arteta revealed he had a gut feeling about giving Dowman his opportunity.Yesterday he was training and in the last few days and I had a gut feeling that it was a moment for him. Probably because he doesnt seem to be fazed by the occasion or the moment or the context or the opponent. He just plays so naturally. He makes decisions to make things happen and what he delivered was incredible, the Arsenal boss said.I think his character, his personality and the fact that he doesnt seem to be fazed by the pressure or his teammates or the opponent. Ive seen a lot of players with talent but at 16, very few that can cope with that level of demand. Topics: Arsenal F.C. Chelsea F.C. Follow us: Tom Rostance Tom has been writing about football - and other sports - for almost 20 years. He has covered four summer Olympics and many, many, many football matches from the World Cup final to the bottom of the EFL. Read more from Tom Rostance
