Wayne Rooney believes Arsenal’s teenage sensation Max Dowman could be absent for significant portions of the club’s Premier League title challenge due to his upcoming school examinations.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England striker suggested the 16-year-old’s GCSE commitments would likely take precedence over football in the coming weeks.
“He has got his GCSEs, and his education, I’m sure for him and his family, is important as well,” Rooney said.
“He won’t be in as much as he’d probably like, but then you’ve got many years ahead of you.”
The Year 11 pupil faces exams throughout May and June, coinciding with Arsenal’s crucial final seven league fixtures.
Dowman’s heroics at the weekend saw him etch his name into English football history.
The attacking midfielder came off the bench during Saturday’s encounter with Everton and played a pivotal role in securing a vital 2-0 triumph for the Gunners.
Max Dowman scored as Arsenal beat Everton on Saturday night
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PA
He provided the assist for Viktor Gyokeres’ goal in the 89th minute before finding the net himself deep into stoppage time.
That strike made him the Premier League’s youngest ever goalscorer, surpassing Rooney himself, who once held the record when he scored aged 16 years and 360 days.
The victory propelled Mikel Arteta’s side nine points clear of Manchester City at the summit, with John Terry among those comparing the youngster to Messi.
Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWS
Rooney was effusive in his assessment of Dowman’s temperament, noting the teenager appears unfazed by the spotlight.
“He seems, from the games I’ve watched, to not let that pressure affect him because he gets the ball, he holds on to it, he commits defenders, he goes to take them on, and so he definitely looks like he’s got a confidence about him,” Rooney explained.
The former Manchester United captain reflected on how different the landscape is for emerging talents today compared to his own breakthrough.
“Now we’re in (a) social media (era). People will be messaging, Instagram or Twitter, whatever he’s got. And you’ll be seeing it everywhere,” he observed.
Rooney expressed confidence that Arteta and Arsenal’s experienced players would keep the youngster grounded.
Max Dowman has a bright future ahead of him at Arsenal
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REUTERS
Dowman has been part of Arsenal’s senior setup since making his debut back in August, accumulating eight appearances across all competitions for the north London club.
The teenager, who has trained alongside the first team since the age of 14, missed a period of action earlier in the campaign after sustaining an ankle injury but has regained Arteta’s trust in recent weeks.
His impressive display against Mansfield Town in the FA Cup this month demonstrated his readiness for bigger occasions.
“He’s clearly got a lot of ability and you just hope he can go and fulfil that potential,” Rooney said. “Let him enjoy it and go and express himself.”
