Pardew has made a bold claim regarding the ceiling of Dowman. After watching the teenager dominate for England under-19s and make a significant impact on Arteta’s first team, the former Newcastle United manager believes the midfielder’s current level exceeds what Bellingham showed at that stage.
Speaking ontalkSPORT, Pardew stated: "I've got him above Jude Bellingham, in terms of, he's the best I've seen, at this age we're talking about. You've got to think, well, I see Ronaldo in Le Tournoir (1997 Tournoi de France). He stood out a mile at his age group. Dowman stands out a mile at his age group."