Wayne Rooney believes that Max Dowman will have it easier to break through at Arsenal than he did when he was 16 at Everton.
The 16-year-old is one of the best young talents in Europe and proved that for Arsenal last season by playing a role in their title win.
How closely do you think Max Dowman will follow in Lamine Yamal’s footsteps?
The teenager is now expected to become a key player for Arsenal in the very near future and could become the heir to Bukayo Saka’s throne.
Speaking about the teenager, Rooney has detailed why Dowman is likely to have an even better chance of making it than he did at a similar age.
Wayne Rooney says Max Dowman will have it easier than he had at 16
Wayne Rooney believes that all the support Max Dowman will have around him at Arsenal will make it even easier to break through than when he did.
Rooney was in a very similar boat to Dowman at 16, announcing himself to the world at an incredibly young age.
But with fellow youngsters also coming through at the Emirates Stadium, and all the support around him, the former Man United star backs him to become a star.
Speaking on Reddit, Rooney said: “Yeah, I think so. It’s a lot of differences for young players now. Obviously, I know as a manager, you’ve got to go and do your safeguarding and make sure you get that done, and all your coaches and all your staff have to do that.
“When I was 16, for instance, I was in the dressing room with the first team, you’re showering alongside the first team players, whereas now you’re taken out, you’ve got a separate dressing room.
“So small things like that do make a difference. When I came in, I felt certain at Everton; I was really the only young player. The next youngest one was like 23, 24, I think.
💰 How much cash plus Viktor Gyokeres should Arsenal demand for Julian Alvarez?
👀 Atletico Madrid want £52m + Gyokeres…
“Now there are quite a few young players who come through together, which I think will make it a little bit easier.”
Mikel Arteta has been handling the youngster very carefully so far, ignoring calls from fans to play him more last season.
Even next season, the teenager could be given rather sparse game time, despite showing all the signs that he is ready to feature.
Dowman is destined to become a star, but rather than prioritising short-term results, Arsenal should be aiming to maximise his career.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
