Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has expressed his admiration for the club’s emerging teenage talents, describing the Gunners as “blessed” to have Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, and Max Dowman in their ranks. The England international has also revealed that he has taken on a mentorship role for the trio, guiding them as they transition into senior football.
Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, and Dowman are all products of Arsenal’s esteemed youth academy and have been widely tipped for bright futures. Both Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri, aged 18, have broken into the first-team squad this season, with Lewis-Skelly making headlines after scoring on his senior England debut last week.
Meanwhile, 15-year-old Dowman has been making significant strides, regularly training with the first team and participating in Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai last month.
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Speaking to the BBC, Rice praised the trio’s potential and emphasised the importance of hard work in their development.
“It is an unbelievable time,” Rice said. “I can’t speak highly enough of Ethan. Just wait until he gets into the team properly—he is a special talent.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman
Arsenal youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly, Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri (Image credit: Getty Images)
“Max is the best 15-year-old in the country. I have had so many messages from people who have watched him play, saying: ‘Wow, what a talent.’ He is definitely one to watch out for. But at 15, there is still such a long way to go. You can be the best in the country at that age, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you will be at 18.
“You need to be hungry, keep working, and keep pushing. I speak with Max a lot, and he knows that. He has a great family supporting him, and he is an unreal talent.”
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Rice also highlighted Lewis-Skelly’s ability, adding that Arsenal are fortunate to have such promising young players who could enjoy long careers at the club.
“With Myles as well, Arsenal are blessed to have three players who could be part of the club’s future for years to come,” Rice said. “I have a great relationship with all three of them because Max trains with us quite a lot.
“I’ve kind of taken them under my wing a little bit because I’ve been in that position before, and I had older players help me out. I get on really well with them, and they are all really comfortable around me, which is important in building a good relationship.”
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