Arsenal teenager Max Dowman shone with two goals in the 4-2 Carabao Cup win over Ipswich Town – but boss Mikel Arteta warned they cannot rush his development.
The 16-year-old played 13 times last season, but has had to settle for a place on the bench so far this campaign – until now.
He scored two lovely goals at Portman Road to stake his claim for more minutes in the Premier League.
But Arteta warned: “He is 16 years old and we have to be really cautious.
“We don’t want to stop him, we don’t want to put the brakes on him, we need to develop him and we are fully aware what he needs. He will have opportunities.”
His first was a fine solo goal as he ran through, leaving defenders on the floor before slotting in.
“Unbelievable, he’s unpredictable, he can go either way, so fluid, so nice to watch,” said Arteta.
And for his second goal, Dowman showed good composure to place the ball in the bottom corner.
He is just the second 16-year-old to score two goals in a game for a Premier League side in any competition, after Wayne Rooney for Everton against Wrexham in 2002 – which was also in the League Cup.
“With the demands that we put in them, to be able to do that is extremely difficult and he’s coping better and better and better,” Arteta added.
“He’s an unbelievable player because of the character that he has and how much he loves to play at the biggest stage.
“It’s not easy [to contain the hype], I understand, but what we have to do is look after him. He’s 16 years old. You don’t see that in this league.
“In other leagues in Europe, that’s a totally different context, but in this league, with the demands that the league has, the players and everything put on you, we really need to make sure every time we throw him in, he’s in the right context with the right preparation.”
