Arsenal’s gem Max Dowman impresses Wayne Rooney: “He has a great future”
Wayne Rooney has hailed Arsenal’s teenage star Max Dowman, predicting a “great future” for the 15-year-old after his record-making Premier League debut.
Dowman entered Arsenal’s 5-0 victory over Leeds at just 15 years and 234 days, becoming the second-youngest player in club history. In just 26 minutes, he showed confidence beyond his age—winning a late penalty converted by Viktor Gyökeres.
Rooney Impressed by Arsenal’s Young Gem
On his BBC podcast “The Wayne Rooney Show”, the Manchester United legend compared Dowman’s rise to his own teenage breakthrough:
“To play at this level and at this age is extraordinary,” Rooney said. “I played young, but he is more than 150 days younger than I was.”
Rooney recalled his own Premier League debut with Everton at 16 and noted that Dowman has entered the spotlight even earlier, calling his progress “remarkable.”
Following in Ethan Nwaneri’s Footsteps
Dowman joins fellow Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri in rewriting Premier League history. Nwaneri still holds the record as the youngest-ever player, debuting in 2022 at just 15 years and 181 days.
According to Rooney, Dowman’s name is now unavoidable in football conversations: “Everywhere you talk about football, Max Dowman’s name comes up.”
The Challenge of Early Stardom
While praising his talent, Rooney also warned of the challenges that come with fame at such a young age.
“It’s surreal. One minute you’re in the youth team, the next you’re in the first-team dressing room with some of your idols,” he explained. “It can be overwhelming, but Max seems like a well-rounded young man who can handle it.”
Rooney believes Arsenal’s system will play a key role in protecting and guiding their young prodigy through the pressures of top-flight football.
Bright Future for Arsenal’s Rising Star
With his debut performance already generating excitement across England, Max Dowman is being touted as one of the most promising prospects in European football. If he continues to progress, Arsenal may have unearthed the Premier League’s next superstar.
