Rio Ferdinand has been full of praise for Max Dowman’s performance against Mansfield and believes the Arsenal winger kept getting into ‘ridiculous’ parts of the pitch.
Dowman really impressed against Mansfield as the teenager was given 77 minutes of action in the FA Cup win in the East Midlands.
Be honest: What did you make of Max Dowman’s performance vs Mansfield Town?
The youngster was making his first appearance for the North London club in 2026, having only just returned from a nasty ankle injury.
But despite his recent lack of minutes, Dowman was still one of the best players on the pitch, and Ferdinand has been singing his praises.
Rio Ferdinand hails Max Dowman’s performance vs Mansfield
Rio Ferdinand could not believe the performance of Max Dowman during Arsenal’s FA Cup win over Mansfield Town.
Dowman, who’s been compared to Lamine Yamal, showed why he is one of the Premier League’s biggest teenage talents with a superb display at Mansfield.
The 16-year-old managed 52 touches, completed four dribbles and made two key passes during the win at Field Mill.
Ferdinand was so impressed by some of the positions the winger was getting into and thought he was very unlucky not to find the back of the net.
Speaking about Dowman’s display against Mansfield, he told Rio Ferdinand Presents: “So the story only gets brighter for these types of players, I think.
“Listen, Dowman got himself into some ridiculous parts of the pitch, had some good chances to score another day, probably gets two goals.”
Should Max Dowman go to the World Cup with England: Too soon, or just right?
Dowman is now set to be a key part of Arsenal’s squad and could actually play a key role in the remainder of the season under Mikel Arteta.
The 2026 World Cup is probably a bit too soon for the youngster, but perhaps he could put himself in Thomas Tuchel’s thinking if he can finish the season strong.
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