Mikel Arteta responds to Lionel Messi’s bold Max Dowman prediction

Mikel Arteta has responded positively to Lionel Messi’s prediction that Arsenal starlet Max Dowman is on the road to greatness.

The 16-year-old is already firmly established as part of the Premier League champions’ first team squad and is pushing to be included on a more regular basis.

Dowman’s only start so far this season came in a convincing 4-2 Carabao Cup victory against Ipswich during which he underlined his burgeoning talent with two goals in a man of the match display.

The teenager’s fleeting appearances have already caught the eye of Messi who named Dowman among 10 youngsters who he expects to have bright futures in the game.

‘If Messi, who is the best ever player, says that,’ Arteta said, smiling in response to Messi’s new advert for adidas.

‘His eyes are I think better than anybody else’s. Hopefully he’s right.’

Asked what made Dowman stand out to someone of Messi’s stature, Arteta said: ‘That he’s got something special.

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‘In the few appearances that he had, he’s already done remarkable things. That’s somebody that is touched with a special gift.

‘He’s a joy to watch. The way he moves, the way he touches the ball, the way he carries himself, it’s just different.

‘And that’s what makes him unique.’

Oliver Giroud said leaving Arsenal was the ‘toughest choice’ of his career as he prepares to make his Emirates Stadium comeback, aged 40.

Giroud scored 105 times in 235 appearances across nearly six years for Arsene Wenger’s Gunners before leaving to join Chelsea ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

The former France international departed Stamford Bridge for AC Milan before a one-year stint in Major League Soccer for Los Angeles FC.

However, Giroud returned to his homeland last year and the striker is set to face his one-time employers when Lille face Arsenal in north London on Tuesday night.

‘Arsenal was a major part of my career and I had to leave in order to play at the 2018 World Cup,’ said Giroud.

‘I was really sad when I left the club but I had to make that choice, and it was one of the toughest ones in my career, but it was important and necessary for the rest of my career.

‘So, it is great to come back at 40 years old with a French club and to play against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. That is a blessing. It is something I wanted to happen, and I feel very lucky.’

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