One current Premier League star has changed his mind over who is currently the more impressive player between Liverpool prospect Rio Ngumoha and Arsenal prodigy Max Dowman
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool celebrates after scoring vs Fulham
Alex Iwobi has said Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha has impressed him more than Arsenal winger Max Dowman thus far(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Fulham star Alex Iwobi has changed camps in the Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha debate. And it was only after getting a look up close at one of the pair that the Nigeria international swapped sides.
Both teenagers have enjoyed breakthrough campaigns and are each being tipped for senior England caps in future. Ngumoha, 17, has emerged as a potential regular starter in Liverpool's attack, while 16-year-old Dowman has dazzled near enough every time he's been seen in Arsenal colours.
Iwobi, 29, has the benefit of being able to get a real sense of each starlet's talents up close and personal. And while he was firmly in one camp until not long ago, that stance has now shifted.
"Before I played against Rio on the weekend, I'd say Max," said the Cottagers talisman. "But Rio...oh!
"In all fairness to [Timothy] Castagne, he did alright...but he [Ngumoha] was a handful, bro."
Iwobi was on the losing side against Liverpool as Fulham came up empty at Anfield last week. The west Londoners lost 2-0 on Merseyside, where Ngumoha opened the scoring with a beautifully curled effort from the corner of the box.
The former Chelsea academy prospect has patented the same cut-in off the left flank to open up space on his stronger right foot. While Dowman has one goal in 11 senior outings for the Gunners, Liverpool's emerging talent has scored twice in 25 first-team outings.
For the time being, Ngumoha has the edge in terms of being considered a legitimate Premier League starter. Arne Slot appears to have a lot of faith in the up-and-comer given he's made 14 league appearances this term compared to Dowman's four.
However, it's worth noting Dowman has spent a good portion of this season injured and was born almost 18 months after Ngumoha. The latter only turned 16 in December, while his rival is due to celebrate his 18th birthday this August.
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Dowman is even being tipped to be named as a surprise member of the England squad that travels to World Cup 2026. However, Theo Walcott told Mirror Football the gem should turn down Thomas Tuchel's invitation should it come.
Iwobi knows all too well the pressures that come with being named 'the next big thing' after he built excitement coming out of Arsenal's academy. Despite that allegiance to the Gunners, it speaks volumes that he backs opponent Ngumoha as the current superior of the two.
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