A former Everton ace who has gone up against Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha has given his verdict on the Premier League wonderkids
Rio Ngumoha
Rio Ngumoha is starring for Liverpool at the age of just 17(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Alex Iwobi has switched allegiances in the Max Dowman versus Rio Ngumoha debate after playing against the Liverpool starlet. Both teenagers have enjoyed breakout seasons and are widely tipped to earn senior England call-ups in the future.
Ngumoha, 17, has established himself as a potential first-choice starter in the Reds' forward line, while 16-year-old Dowman has impressed since making his senior Arsenal bow.
Former Everton star Iwobi, now of Fulham, has the advantage of seeing each youngster's abilities first-hand. And while he was firmly in one camp until recently, his position has since shifted following last Saturday's clash at Anfield.
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"Before I played against Rio on the weekend, I'd say Max. But Rio... oh!" Iwobi told Twitch streamer Tyrique Hyde. "In all fairness to [Fulham defender] Timothy Castagne, he did all right, but he was a handful, bro."
Iwobi found himself on the wrong end of the result against Liverpool as Fulham left Anfield empty-handed. The west Londoners were beaten 2-0, with Ngumoha breaking the deadlock with a beautifully curled finish from the corner of the box.
Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha is seen in action with Fulham's Timothy Castagne during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield, Liverpool, on April 11, 2026. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ngumoha gets away from Fulham's Timothy Castagne(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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The former Chelsea academy prospect has made a habit of cutting inside from the left flank to create space for his favoured right foot. While Dowman has netted once in 11 senior appearances for the Gunners, Liverpool's rising star has scored twice in 25 first-team outings.
For now, Ngumoha holds the advantage when it comes to being regarded as a genuine Premier League starter. Arne Slot clearly has faith in the youngster, having handed him 14 league outings this term compared to Dowman's four.
It's worth noting that Dowman has been sidelined for a significant spell this season due to injury and is 18 months younger than Ngumoha. The latter only turned 16 in December, while his counterpart is set to celebrate his 18th birthday this August.
Dowman is even being touted as a shock inclusion in England's World Cup 2026 squad. However, Theo Walcott believes he should reject Thomas Tuchel's call-up should it materialise.
Iwobi understands the burden that accompanies being labelled 'the next big thing' having generated excitement emerging from Arsenal's academy. Despite his loyalty to the Gunners, it speaks volumes that he endorses Ngumoha as the current better player of the pair.
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