Rio Ferdinand Predicts Proper Breakout Year for Arsenal Star, Hails Dowman as Special

Rio Ferdinand Hails Max Dowman as Arsenal’s Next Breakout Star in Bold Prediction

Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has hails Arsenal youth prospects, singling out Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman as future stars destined to light up the Premier League.

Ferdinand is “begging” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to give 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri more game time this season, believing it could be his “proper breakout year”. Nwaneri, who made 37 appearances and scored nine goals last season, has already shown flashes of brilliance.

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Despite limited starts toward the end of the campaign, his inclusion in Arsenal’s pre-season clash against AC Milan signals Arteta’s continued faith in the midfielder.

Ferdinand emphasized Nwaneri’s potential, comparing his excitement to when he first saw talents like Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo. He urged Arteta to believe in the teenager’s ability despite the pressure of chasing silverware.

 “Please, Mikel Arteta, play these kids because I think they’re good enough,” Ferdinand pleaded.

While Nwaneri impressed in Singapore, it was Max Dowman, just 15 years old, who stole the spotlight with a dazzling second-half cameo against AC Milan. Ferdinand couldn’t contain his admiration, calling Dowman “the best 15-year-old in the country, probably in Europe right now, maybe the world”.

Dowman’s confidence and technical ability have stunned Arsenal’s coaching staff. He’s already training with the first team and reportedly holding his own among seasoned professionals. Ferdinand, who’s followed Dowman’s progress closely, believes the youngster is a “joke” — in the best possible sense.

“Max Dowman, don’t forget that name. Arsenal have produced another young gem,” Ferdinand declared.

Arsenal’s Hale End academy continues to churn out elite talent, with Bukayo Saka now seen as a senior figure among a new wave of prodigies. With Nwaneri and Dowman rising fast, the Gunners may be on the cusp of another golden generation.

Arteta has acknowledged Dowman’s need to improve his physicality but remains impressed by his rapid development. If nurtured correctly, these two could become cornerstones of Arsenal’s future.