Rio Ferdinand can’t believe what one Arsenal player has been doing, ‘how is that happening?’

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Rio Ferdinand is in awe of one Arsenal star who may play a role for Mikel Arteta’s team against Liverpool on Sunday.

The Gunners travel to the north-west to take on the reigning Premier League champions, in what is an early-season six-pointer.

Mikel Arteta will be without Bukayo Saka for the trip to the storied stadium, after the England international sustained a hamstring injury against Leeds at the Emirates last Saturday.

While the absence of Saka will be a significant blow to Arsenal, Arteta has several different replacement options, including an up-and-coming talent.

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Rio Ferdinand cannot believe what Max Dowman is doing at 15

Max Dowman made history by becoming the youngest Arsenal player to make a competitive appearance for the Gunners at the Emirates last weekend against Leeds.

The youngster was introduced in place of Noni Madueke in the 64th minute and impressed in his short cameo.

Demonstrating incredible composure and maturity in possession, the 15-year-old won a penalty in stoppage time after drawing a foul from a Leeds defender.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha scored a 100th-minute winner for the Merseysiders against Newcastle at St. James’ Park on Monday.

Ngumoha turned 17 on Friday and is inevitably being compared to Dowman.

Ferdinand can’t believe what he’s witnessing from the pair of teenagers, describing them both as ‘hugely talented players’.

“Listen, guys, I have to say, 16-year-old Rio at Liverpool and a 15-year-old at Arsenal deserve a segment of their own,” he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.

“How is that happening? How are we here, guys?

“Are we sitting here saying a 16 and a 15-year-old player are going into a Premier League match and could be the subplot, the leading second story in this game? Two hugely talented players.”

Max Dowman should be deemed a genuine option for Arsenal against Liverpool

With Saka unavailable, Arsenal are likely to start Madueke on the right wing against Liverpool.

The former Chelsea man was signed specifically to understudy the Gunners’ talisman, and should be granted the opportunity to fulfil this role against the Merseysiders.

However, Madueke is yet to play more than 64 minutes for Arsenal, having returned late to pre-season after taking part in the Club World Cup.

Thus, he’s unlikely to be able to play the full 90 minutes at Anfield, and Dowman should be the next man up on the right wing for the Gunners once the experienced winger has fatigued.

He’s demonstrated in the last few weeks that he’s a superior option to the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on the right, and should be granted another short cameo against Liverpool.