WELL, you can see why Mikel Arteta has previously compared Max Dowman to Lionel Messi.

What an absolutely brilliant performance from the 16-year-old as he fired Arsenal past Ipswich in the Carabao Cup.

Max Dowman put in a thrilling performance in the Carabao Cup Credit: Getty

It is not hard to understand the comparisons to a young Lionel Messi Credit: AP:Associated Press

Arteta said in the build-up to this game that Dowman needs to earn his chances this season.

I think we’re going to be seeing plenty more from him if he keeps playing like that.

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His goal in the first half was just superb, sitting the defender down, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

It was what we’ve come to expect from Dowman, really.

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The talent he’s shown in such a short time and at such an early stage of his career has been ridiculous, to be honest.

Arsenal made nine changes for this game.

The team was worth £375million but, for me, Dowman was the player who stood out.

And it’s an example for Arteta of why he should really be looking to rotate a lot this season, particularly when you’ve got someone like Dowman on your hands.

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This is a talent that you need to play, and the Carabao Cup will be the perfect opportunity for Dowman to get minutes.

Arsenal made the final last season.

When you look at the players they can bring into the side this season – the likes of Mikel Merino, Bruno Guimaraes – they should absolutely go deep in this competition.

And that will be great for Dowman.

Teenager Dowman ran the show at Portman Road Credit: Getty

Bruno Guimaraes and Mikel Merino is not a bad back-up midfield duo Credit: Getty

Marli Salmon also deserves a mention.

He did quite well in what was a really difficult and tough evening for him, playing against Zian Flemming, who is a real old-school striker, an absolute battering ram.

And the midfield pairing of Merino and Guimaraes offers a crazy amount of experience between those two.

Crucially, though, it showed the depth Arsenal have got in midfield.

There was no Declan Rice at all in the matchday squad, and instead Arteta can just roll out those two players and book your place in the fourth round.

A fantastic night for Arsenal, good job done, but the night truly belonged to Max Dowman.