Freddy Adu has revealed his thoughts on Max Dowman's ability, as the Arsenal youngster looks to break into the England squad over the coming years.
Dowman is widely renowned as one of the nation's finest talents, and is being carefully managed in London by title-winning coach Mikel Arteta.
As England look to seal their place in the semi-finals at the 2026 World Cup alongside Spain, Adu has revealed the similarities he sees between Dowman and Spanish starboy Lamine Yamal.
'I think he can become to England what Yamal is to Spain' - Freddy Adu on Arsenal wonderkid's Three Lions prospects
Dowman enjoyed a breakout season with Arsenal, this year, winning the Premier League under Arteta.
The 16-year-old, who at the time of his debut became the youngest to ever play in the Premier League, was electric against Everton at the Emirates in the early stages of the run-in, scoring a dagger against the Toffees with a late solo run.
Adu, who was once described as 'the next Pele' and saw out his playing career in America, Turkey and France, has described Dowman's quality as being similar to that of Yamal.
The 37-year-old said: "I do see the similarity between Dowman and Yamal. He's good at taking people on, he comes in and creates chances. He's dangerous.
"Dowman has got a way to go but, if he has the opportunity, I think he can become to England what Yamal is to Spain.
"That's the type of player you want out there. You want players that are always dangerous, no matter where they are on the field. They constantly create a threat, that puts fear in defenders.
"I really hope [England] encourage his way of playing, encourage him and let the kid play, let him be and let him do what he does best. If they do that, he's going to be a world-class player for England."
Adu also described Dowman's body feint and dribbling ability as akin to that of Lionel Messi, stating: "You [either] have it, or you don’t. You can’t just pick it up later on in your career."
The Arsenal wonderkid will look to build on his breakout season in 2026/27 with the London side, as Arteta looks to retain his team's Premier League title.
Dowman did not get a call-up to Thomas Tuchel's 2026 World Cup squad, but his career ahead of the next major tournament will be fascinating to follow.
Adu spoke with FourFourTwo via Caesars Sportsbook Promoahead of England’s World Cup clash with Norway.
