Gabriel Jesus praises Arsenal teenager Max Dowman after record goal
Gabriel Jesus has expressed his amazement at the rapid rise of Max Dowman after the 16-year-old recently became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history for Arsenal.
The teenage winger made history in March when he found the back of the net during a 2-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates Stadium.
Having made his top-flight debut as a substitute in an emphatic 5-0 thrashing of Leeds United last August, the youngster has already accumulated seven senior appearances.
Mikel Arteta has clearly placed immense trust in the academy graduate, who has contributed one goal and an assist across all competitions.
Balancing school with elite football
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Jesus revealed his astonishment that his young team-mate still attends classes despite his burgeoning stardom.
The Brazilian international reflected on his own upbringing, noting the stark contrast between his early years and the reality facing the current Arsenal prodigy.
“Max is still 16, he started with us at 15, and when I was 15 I was playing in the streets.”
“So at 15, you are playing Champions League, Premier League, it’s crazy.”
“Because in Brazil, if this happens, it’s impossible to go to school.”
The former Manchester City striker added that the fervent nature of South American football fans would make a normal education completely unviable for a player of similar status.
International recognition and FA Cup hopes
Dowman’s stellar domestic form recently earned him a call-up to the England Under-19 squad during the international break.
The highly-rated prospect immediately justified his selection by scoring a superb goal against Portugal in a UEFA European Championship qualifying fixture.
His next opportunity to impress could come in the FA Cup quarter-finals when the Gunners travel to St Mary’s to face Southampton on Saturday.
The rising star previously started in the competition earlier this month, playing 77 minutes as the north London club secured a 2-1 fifth-round victory over Mansfield Town.
