Declan Rice Tips Arsenal Youngster To Replicate Myles Lewis-Skelly And Ethan Nwaneri Success

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Declan Rice has praised Max Dowman as ‘the best 15-year-old in the country’ and encouraged the ‘unreal’ youngster to continue working diligently to maximize his chances of success at Arsenal.

Arsenal’s Hale End academy has established itself as a renowned hub for cultivating elite football talent, among its latest prodigies, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike with their rapid rise. Arsenal’s midfield maestro, has tipped another young talent, Max Dowman, to follow in their illustrious footsteps. Max Dowman, an incredible 15-year-old prospect, has been hailed by Rice as “the best 15-year-old in the country” and a player worth watching closely.

Dowman has earned widespread admiration due to his stellar performances in Arsenal’s youth system. He has already made his debut for the U21, contributing an impressive 13 goals in 18 appearances across the U18 Premier League and FA Youth Cup competitions. His abilities were further showcased when he netted his first goal at the Emirates Stadium during the FA Youth Cup quarter-final against Manchester United.

The England Under-17 attacking midfielder became the youngest ever Premier League 2 player in December. His development has been underscored by regular training sessions with Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad, showcasing his rapid progression in the game.

gettyimages 2195128793 612x612 1 — LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: (L-R) Declan Rice and Max Dowman of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 training and press conference at Sobha Realty Training Centre on January 21, 2025 in London Colney, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

gettyimages 2206388623 612x612 1 — BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND – MARCH 22: Max Dowman of England runs with the ball under pressure from Vid Novak of Slovenia during the U17 men’s international match between England and Slovenia at St Georges Park on March 22, 2025 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Rice has taken on a mentorship role for Dowman, emphasizing the vital role of persistence and dedication for young players aspiring to sustain excellence. He notes that while being the best at 15 is impressive, maintaining that level of excellence as an adult requires dedication and hunger.

Rice told BBC Radio, “You need to stay hungry, keep working hard, and continue striving. Max has a fantastic support system within his family, and he is truly exceptional.”

Beyond Dowman, Rice is actively guiding other promising talents at Arsenal, including Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Nwaneri, who made history by debuting as the youngest Premier League player at just 15 years and 181 days, has continued to impress both for club and country. Similarly, Lewis-Skelly has emerged as an integral player, receiving praise for his versatility and composure on the field.