Mikel Arteta called Max Douman 'incredible' after the young Arsenal player helped the team defeat Ipswich Town 4-2 in the League Cup match on Tuesday.
Arteta gave Douman the opportunity to play this season, and the 16-year-old footballer seized the chance by scoring two goals and providing one assist in the third-round match at Portman Road.
The Arsenal coach previously compared Douman to Lionel Messi after the talented playmaker began playing last season at the age of 15. Last season, he played 13 matches and became the youngest Premier League scorer against Everton in March.
Despite Arteta cautiously using Douman, who remained a substitute several times this season, before the match against Ipswich he stated that Douman 'will get his time, and he will have to earn it, just like any other'. He was not rushing Douman's development because the Premier League champions Arsenal have a large amount of experience and quality in their squad.
Nevertheless, even Arteta admitted that Douman delivered a masterclass against Ipswich. The Spaniard noted: 'Incredible, he is unpredictable, he can go in any direction, so fluid, so pleasant to watch.'
Douman's previous appearance was in the last match of last season against Crystal Palace, when Arsenal had already been crowned champions. Since then, he has taken his GCSE exams and eagerly awaits a bright future at Arsenal. Although Douman's potential is obvious, becoming a key player for Arsenal will not be easy. Many young stars fade before reaching their potential, and Arteta intends to be a caring figure for the young athlete.
Arteta emphasized: 'He is 16 years old, we don't see that in the Premier League. In this environment, we want to develop him, and we need to take care of him.'
Given that Douman is waiting for his chance, Arsenal will continue playing on Saturday against Brighton in the final match before the international break. Arteta's team won all six of its matches this season in the Premier League, Champions League, and League Cup. After making several changes against Ipswich, Arteta was impressed by the desire of his substitutes. He stated: 'This is what we want: to approach every game, every tournament with the same mentality, attitude, and desire, and as long as we do that.'