For every superstar that lives up to the hype in the world of soccer, there’s an opposite story of a failed potential. No one knows the pain of being the latter more than Freddy Adu, who was dubbed “the next Pele” at only 14 years old.
By now, everyone knows Adu’s story. The pressure put on him at such a young age was too much to bear, leading to Adu making only 17 national team appearances for the United States and bouncing around MLS and other clubs in various countries. The entire contingent of Arsenal is praying the same thing doesn’t happen to Max Dowman.
Dowman is only 16 years old and already carving out a role in Mikel Arteta‘s side, who currently lead the Premier League by nine points and are in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Dowman’s talent is tantalizing, as evidenced by his 16-minute stint in Arsenal’s win over Everton last week, which featured a goal that made him the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.
John Terry compares Max Dowman to Lionel Messi, but Freddy Adu heeds caution
Dowman’s dribbling ability, plus the fact that he’s left-footed, has earned him a terrifying comparison to Lionel Messi. It’s only terrifying because living up to Messi’s hype is likely impossible. That didn’t stop legendary Chelsea center back John Terry from making the comparison recently.
“I watched him play against Chelsea about a year ago – and I’ve not seen anyone glide past people like this man does, other than Messi. That’s a big, big comparison, but this man is a proper talent and will play a big part in Arsenal’s future, and also England’s as well.“
Adu caught wind of the comparison and couldn’t help but send some advice for the Arsenal youngster.
Listening to all that, it seems like words I’ve heard before! Max is very talented… He’s got to be handled right, though. It’s one where we can’t put too much pressure on him at such a young age… it’s just very tough for a young player when there are such huge expectations placed on him at such a young age, and so early on. Let him develop, let him play, let him grow, and let him be his own player. Let’s not rush him and try to make him the next this, the next that.
Adu knows all about such high expectations being placed at such a young age. Dowman needs time to develop and hone his skills. The rest will fall into place if he’s allowed time to do that.
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