Arsenal are preparing for their final pre-season clash as they welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side will want a good performance and a positive result to build some momentum before the Premier League opener at Old Trafford.
Ethan Nwaneri has signed a new contract at Arsenal to commit his future to the Gunners and is expected to play a part in the match.
However, it has been another Hale End star that has stolen the show during pre-season and Ray Parlour has given a glowing reference for Max Dowman.
READ MORE: Tony Adams reveals that one player at Arsenal absolutely ‘hated’ Dennis Bergkamp
Ray Parlour compares Max Dowman to Phil Foden
Speaking on talkSPORT, Parlour was speaking about his experiences on Arsenal’s recent tour of Asia, where the former Gunners midfielder was in an ambassadorial role for the club.
Dowman revealed something extraordinary to Parlour after his opening match against AC Milan in that the 15-year-old thought there were a number of areas he could have done better in.
Given his rise to stardom in pre-season and his ability to slalom past defenders, Parlour has compared Dowman to Manchester City and England star Phil Foden.
Parlour stated: “It’s all down to the player to keep improving and working hard. If you can learn from people like Declan Rice and guys like that. It’s a bit like Phil Foden.
“People were saying why isn’t he going on loan, and Pep Guardiola was saying he’s playing with De Bruyne, he can improve by playing with top players in training every day, that’s how they nurtured him and I’m sure Max will be similar.”
Dowman is set for a break after the clash with Athletic Bilbao given that the youngster has not had a holiday this summer yet after his exploits with England’s U17 side.
However, upon his return, Arteta will no doubt have him in his thoughts as the season progresses and Dowman continues to impress for the U18 and U21 teams.
What Mikel Arteta said about Max Dowman after Villarreal defeat
Speaking at his post-match press conference following Arsenal’s 3-2 defeat to Villarreal, the Gunners boss was asked his thoughts on Dowman’s performances.
Arteta stated: “He continues to impress, without a doubt. The impact he had in the game again today, the efficiency that he shows in every attack and action, it’s incredible. He deserves to have chances and if he continues like this, let’s see what happens.”
Dowman has won two penalties for the senior side during pre-season so far and many fans believe he has looked more of a threat than regular first-team stars Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
The Hale End star is now eligible to be selected in a Premier League match, however, Arsenal will want to protect their prized asset and only include him when the time is right.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
