Dubai: With the career that Lionel Messi’s has had, few are better placed to spot future superstars.
Before becoming one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi was once a wonderkid himself, making the journey from Argentina to Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy as a youngster.
His extraordinary talent quickly set him apart, and he went on to become a global superstar, making his opinion on the next generation of footballing talent all the more significant.
So, when he named his top 10 young talents to look out for, one name in the list grabbed the attention of Premier League fans, particularly those of Arsenal.
Messi backs Max Dowman for superstardom
Arsenal fans will need no reminding of the extraordinary talent Max Dowman possesses, with the teenager already generating huge excitement in north London.
A left-footed attacking talent whose close control, dribbling and ability to glide past opponents have drawn early comparisons to Messi himself, Dowman is widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in the game.
Speaking in a video package for Adidas recently, Messi was asked to write down his top 10 prospects for the future, and among a mixed list of young male and female talents, the Argentine icon included the Arsenal youngster as one to watch.
Who else is in Messi’s list?
Can Uzun – Eintracht Frankfurt
Chloe Sarwie – Chelsea FC
Gilberto Mora – Tijuana
Giovanna Waksman – OL Lyonnes
Jesus Rodriguez – Como 1907
Kees Smit – AZ Alkmaar
Lotta Wrede – Hamburger SV
Tomas Aranda – Boca Juniors
Zavier Gozo - Real Salt Lake