Declan Rice
Arsenal’s recent UEFA Champions League match against Olympiacos not only highlighted their on-field prowess but also showcased a humorous moment between Declan Rice and young talent Max Dowman. As the Gunners secured a 2-0 victory, Rice, who was resting after a crucial win against Newcastle United, was seen engaging in a playful exchange with Dowman. The incident occurred when Rice, after adjusting his shorts near the corner flag, extended his hand for a high-five, only to pull it away, leaving Dowman momentarily hanging. The teenager, not wanting to be outdone in front of the TNT Sport cameras, quickly grabbed Rice’s arm to complete the gesture.
Declan Rice said: “Ethan [Nwaneri] and Myles – the difference from last year to this year, how they’ve grown as people, is incredible. They’ll speak to anyone now, they’re loud, they’re themselves and that’s what you want. Obviously, Max is only 15, just going to be turning 16 in December. They actually are just kids. I said to Max on the way back from pre-season tour, I couldn’t get my head around it that he was going back to school. He FaceTimed the other day and he had his school uniform on, and I was like ‘mate, you’ve just played in the Premier League a week ago, and now you’re walking back through the school gates’. Even me as a 15-year-old, going into West Ham’s first team dressing room, I would no way have been as confident as he was. I would’ve been quiet in the corner. Unless someone spoke to me, I wouldn’t have spoken to them, whereas I feel like now, Max especially, he’s just so confident in himself and his ability. The support network here is incredible and I’ve seen the academy – the way they work, it’s insane.”
Mikel Arteta said: “The first conversation was probably with Per [Mertesacker]. We were talking about the talent and what he could see and feel that could reach the level that we needed. Straight away, his name came up, and then we started to look at him, and the way he’s developed himself, and the steps that he’s taken, and the speed he’s taken them, it’s probably unheard of.”
Despite not featuring in the match, Dowman, who became the second-youngest player in Arsenal and Premier League history when he debuted against Leeds United in August, continues to impress both his teammates and coaching staff. The camaraderie and support within the Arsenal camp are evident, as highlighted by Rice’s praise for the club’s young talents. Manager Mikel Arteta also expressed his admiration for Dowman’s rapid development and potential, underscoring the importance of nurturing young talent within the club’s ranks.
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