Merino compares Arsenal teenager Max Dowman to Lamine Yamal after Carabao Cup double

Mikel Merino said Max Dowman reminded him of Lamine Yamal after the 16-year-old scored twice at Portman Road on Tuesday as Arsenal beat Ipswich 4-2 in the Carabao Cup. Dowman’s goals helped Arsenal advance into the competition’s last 16.

Dowman was handed his first appearance of the season at Portman Road and has been given numerous senior opportunities by Mikel Arteta, the club managing his development carefully. The 16-year-old attacker starred in the win, easing Arsenal through to the last 16, and Arteta admitted containing the hype around the England youth international is not an easy task.

Merino, who plays alongside Lamine Yamal for Spain, said the pair share traits and praised Dowman’s temperament. “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.”

Merino, who also scored against Ipswich, offered a longer assessment of Dowman’s potential and the club’s responsibility. “He is an unbelievable talent. We knew it, but every time he goes on the pitch and plays against grown men he makes the difference. He is a big talent and we have to take care of him.

“We have to keep pushing him. He needs to keep learning – eyes and ears open always. 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. It is very difficult to have equilibrium sometimes with him, because obviously you want him to shine and show everyone the talent that he has. But 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.”

Merino also singled out 17-year-old Marli Salmon for praise after her display at centre-back against Ipswich. “In that position as a centre-back, you need to be very mature,” he said. “It’s very important you don’t make many mistakes. Every action is crucial. It’s the same as with Max, he is an unbelievable talent. We try to teach them our experience and they are very good at listening.”

Arsenal’s 4-2 victory at Portman Road sent them into the Carabao Cup last 16.