Declan Rice insists that Max Dowman should not be rushed into the team at Arsenal, despite fans wanting him to start more matches.
Dowman has burst onto the scene at Arsenal over recent months and already looks like one of the Gunners’ best attacking options.
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The 16-year-old became the Premier League’s youngest-ever goal scorer last month as he netted in the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Everton.
But despite all the excitement around him, Rice has urged fans not to rush him, and he feels a duty to help protect him at this stage of his career.
Declan Rice says Arsenal mustn’t rush Max Dowman
Declan Rice believes that what Max Dowman is doing at his age is incredible, but he also spoke about the importance of not rushing him at Arsenal.
The 27-year-old has also praised the way in which he plays without fear, which is a trait that’ll stand him in great stead across his career.
But given his age, the people around him mustn’t be rushing him, and Rice is adamant that his support network is great.
“He’s obviously incredible. It’s an eye-opener because he’s only 16, and you see how good he is, and he hasn’t got any fear at all,” Rice told Stadium Astro.
“He just goes into games, not even thinking about it. He just goes out and plays football, and to have that already at 16 is a special trait.
“As he keeps getting older, and he carries that with him, it’s obviously going to keep standing him in really good stead. But he’s obviously such a good kid.
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“But it’s important that you know he’s got the right people around him, like he has not forced him, not rushing him to do anything.
“Just keep pushing him along nicely, and yeah, England have a talent on their hand for sure. So, yeah, we have got to take our time with him.”
Dowman has been tipped to start for Arsenal against Sporting CP, with Bukayo Saka injured and Noni Madueke looking out of form at the moment.
Mikel Arteta now has the 16-year-old as a potential wildcard for the rest of the season and against Sporting could be the perfect time to play it.
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