Mikel Merino believes there are similarities between Arsenal's Max Dowman and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.
Dowman similar to Yamal, claims Merino
Mikel Merino has played with Lamine Yamal for Spain and Max Dowman at Arsenal, and sees some similarities between the two teenagers.
Dowman, who became the youngest scorer in Premier League history last season, impressed in Arsenal's EFL Cup win over Ipswich Town on Tuesday.
He scored twice in a 4-2 win at Portman Road, while also leading his side in duels won (8/17) and possessions won in the final third (three) in his first start this season.
Dowman is just the second 16-year-old to score two goals in a game for a Premier League side in all competitions, after Wayne Rooney in October 2002 for Everton against Wrexham, also in the EFL Cup.
The three youngest scorers in the competition for Premier League sides all did so for Arsenal, with Dowman (16 years 258 days) the second-youngest behind Cesc Fabregas (16y 212d) and ahead of Jack Wilshere (16y 266d).
Merino and Dowman won the Premier League together last term, while the Spaniard has also won both the World Cup and Euros with compatriot Yamal.
Yamal became a regular in Barca's first team at 16, and Merino was asked how the two teenagers compare.
"Yeah, I would say there are some similarities in terms of their character," Merino said.
"They don't care about the spotlight, they thrive when pressure is at the highest, they are always up for the challenge and they are not shy at all – even facing the biggest names in the game, so they are very similar.
"Obviously you want Max to shine and you want him to express himself and show everyone the talent that he has, but, at the same time, you have to sometimes remind them that they are human beings and they are part of a bigger squad and team.
"The good thing with these kind of players – Lamine and Max – is that they are special talents, but at the same time they are very humble. They are always keen to learn and listen to the veterans. That is priceless.
"So, we are very happy to have him, but at the same time he knows that we are here to help him and sometimes even if we push him a little bit, he knows it's for his own good. He is a very good kid."
