A Premier League star has admitted he has switched camps in the Rio Ngumoha and Max Dowman debate after coming up against Liverpool’s teenage sensation at Anfield recently
Rio Ngumoha and Max Dowman(Image: Getty Images)
Fulham star Alex Iwobi has switched allegiances in the Max Dowman versus Rio Ngumoha debate — and it took just one close encounter to change his mind.
Both teenagers have enjoyed breakthrough seasons and are widely tipped to earn senior England recognition in the future. Ngumoha, 17, has established himself as a potential first-choice starter in Liverpool’s attack, while 16-year-old Dowman has impressed virtually every time he has pulled on an Arsenal shirt.
Iwobi, 29, has the advantage of witnessing each youngster’s abilities at close quarters. And while he was firmly in one corner until recently, his position has since shifted considerably.
READ MORE: Arne Slot names ‘first aim’ of Liverpool summer transfers with two additions already confirmedREAD MORE: Everton chairman ‘kicked’ Liverpool icons out of stadium after late drama“Before I played against Rio on the weekend, I’d say Max,” said the Cottagers’ talisman (via the Mirror). “But Rio…oh!
“In all fairness to [Timothy] Castagne, he did alright…but he [Ngumoha] was a handful, bro.”
Iwobi found himself on the wrong end of the result against Liverpool, as Fulham returned empty-handed from Anfield last week. The west Londoners fell to a 2-0 defeat on Merseyside, where Ngumoha broke the deadlock with a beautifully curled finish from the edge of the area.
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool celebrates after scoring vs Fulham(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The former Chelsea academy prospect has made a trademark of cutting in from the left flank to create space for his stronger right foot. While Dowman has netted once in 11 senior appearances for the Gunners, Liverpool’s rising star has found the net twice in 25 first-team outings.
For now, Ngumoha holds the advantage when it comes to being viewed as a genuine Premier League starter. Arne Slot clearly has considerable confidence in the youngster, having handed him 14 league outings this campaign compared to Dowman’s four.
Get LFC’s 2025/26 season home and away kits
Liverpool’s home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.
Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.
That said, it’s important to highlight that Dowman has been sidelined with injury for a substantial chunk of this season and was born nearly 18 months after Ngumoha. The former only reached 16 in December, while his counterpart is set to mark his 18th birthday this August.
Dowman is even being touted as a potential shock inclusion in the England squad heading to World Cup 2026. Yet, Theo Walcott told has suggested the prodigy should decline Thomas Tuchel’s call-up if it materialises.
Iwobi understands fully the burden that accompanies being labelled ‘the next big thing’ having generated excitement emerging from Arsenal’s academy. Despite that loyalty to the Gunners, it says plenty that he endorses rival Ngumoha as the present superior of the pair.
Source link
