Alan Shearer can’t believe what he’s seeing with Arsenal star and refuses to stay silent

Arsenal sensation Max Dowman made his starting debut for the first team on Wednesday night with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer discussing the 15-year-old's performance

Alan Shearer believes it's getting increasingly difficult not to talk about Max Dowman following his display for Arsenal against Brighton in the Carabao Cup fourth round. The 15-year-old was given his first senior start for the Gunners on Wednesday night and caught the eye during his 71 minutes on the field.

Two other Hale End academy products found the net with Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka scoring in the second half. Another major talking point of the evening was Andre Harriman-Annous being included in the starting lineup alongside Dowman, whilst Pierro Hincapie made his first start after arriving at the club in the summer.

Following the 2-0 victory, all the discussion centred around Dowman, with Gary Lineker heaping praise on the youngster in the latest Rest is Football Podcast to Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, whilst also being mindful of not placing excessive pressure on him.

"Max Dowman had the most dribbles completed, the most fouls and duels won at 15-years-old, my goodness me," he said.

"Incredible. He [Arteta] has obviously got to get the balance right in terms of playing him and protecting him, but bloody hell man wow, 15, to go and play on that stage and just look right. He looks as if he belongs there."

Lineker proceeded to directly quote Arteta's remarks on the teenager from his post-match press conference before adding, "I think people are thinking a generational talent, maybe England have found one. But you have to be slightly hesitant, not build him too much..."

Shearer interjected, stating: "But you can't not talk about him, Gaz. You have to."

Lineker chimed in: "Yeah you can't, it's like Lamine Yamal we talked about him when he was 15/16. If there's something as exciting and talented as Max Dowman, then let's talk about him. Ultimately, how well he does will be how he handles this and he seems to be someone mature beyond his years.

"He'll have to deal with fame at a very early age which is not easy, but we've seen it before with young talent. It's going to be really interesting following his career and seeing how Arteta does deal with him. It's like anything, if he's that good, you find a way to play him."

The trio also analysed Arsenal's overall performance against Brighton, praising the victory and clean sheet, especially considering the 10 changes made.

Lineker commented: "He [Arteta] rotated a significant amount, but it shows you the strength in depth that Arsenal now have. I thought Brighton gave a good fist of themselves, particularly in the first half. Kepa came in to play and made one or two very good saves, but they've won again."

Richards added: "They changed the whole of the back four as well. Look at this for a second string defence, Ben White, Mosquera, Hincapie and Myles Lewis-Skelly. That is a second-choice back four - that is ridiculous. Arsenal now are really cooking on something."