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Mikel Merino has compared 'unbelievable talent' Max Dowman to Lamine Yamal and claimed his Arsenal team-mates have challenged the youngster to get even better.
Yamal, who is in the running for the Ballon d'Or, has taken the football world by storm ever since breaking into Barcelona's first team as a regular aged just 16 - the same age as Dowman.
Merino won the World Cup with Spain this summer, with Yamal, now 19, a key part of the team. Yet, Merino views Dowman, who struck an impressive brace against Ipswich on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup third round, in a similar light to his international team-mate.
'Yeah, I would say there are some similarities in terms of their character,' he said.
'They don't care about the spotlight. They thrive when pressure is at the highest. They are always up for the challenge and they are not shy at all - even facing the biggest names in the game. So, they are very similar.
'Honestly, he (Dowman) is an unbelievable talent.
Arsenal's Mikel Merino has backed Max Dowman (left) to emulate Lamine Yamal (right)
Merino (second left) is a team-mate of Dowman's at Arsenal and plays for Spain with Yamal
'We knew it, but every time he goes on the pitch and plays against grown men - even being 16 - he makes the difference. He is a big talent and we have to take care of him.'
Dowman's rise has left the midfielder and Arsenal's other senior players focused on pushing the teenager and not allowing him to settle.
'We have to keep pushing him,' he said.
'There is still big room for improvement in a lot of areas, and he knows that. So we are going to be by his side trying to get him to his best level.
'It is a thin line. But, at the same time, you have to sometimes remind them that they are human beings and they are part of a bigger squad and team.
'The good thing with these kind of players - Lamine and Max - is that they are special talents, but at the same time they are very humble.
'They are always keen to learn and listen to the veterans. That is priceless. So we are very happy to have him, but at the same time he knows that we are here to help him. And, sometimes, even if we push him a little bit, he knows it's for his own good. He is a very good kid.'
Dowman, 16, scored twice for Arsenal as they beat Ipswich 4-2 in the Carabao Cup third round
Merino also lauded Marli Salmon, 17, who shone at centre back against Ipswich in a composed display which also caught attention.
He added: 'In that position as a centre back, you need to be very mature. It's very important that you don't make many mistakes. Every action is crucial.
'So for him to step up and play against such a strong striker was very good. It's the same as with Max, he is an unbelievable talent. He is always keen to learn and me as a veteran - and Gabriel in this case, too - formed a partnership.
'We have been around for a long time! We try to teach them our experience and they are very good at listening.'
