Former Arsenal star answers Max Dowman vs Rio Ngumoha question after one blew him away

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Fulham's Alex Iwobi has given a fresh take on the Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha debate after going up against one of them in the Premier League

Fulham's Alex Iwobi has switched camps in the ongoing Max Dowman versus Rio Ngumoha debate.

Both teenagers have enjoyed breakthrough campaigns and are widely tipped to earn senior England recognition in the coming years. Ngumoha, 17, has staked a claim as a potential first-choice option in Liverpool's attack, while 16-year-old Dowman has impressed virtually every time he has pulled on an Arsenal shirt.

Iwobi, 29, is well-placed to assess the abilities of both youngsters. He also understands the burden that comes with being labelled 'the next big thing,' having generated considerable excitement after emerging from Arsenal's academy.

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And while he was firmly in Dowman's corner until recently, his view has since changed. Asked to pick between the pair during a Twitch stream by Tyrique Hyde, Iwobi said: "Before I played against Rio on the weekend, I'd say Max.

"But Rio... oh! In all fairness to [Fulham defender Timothy] Castagne, he did alright but he was a handful, bro."

Iwobi found himself on the losing side as Fulham were beaten at Anfield last week, going down 2-0 on Merseyside, where Ngumoha broke the deadlock with a beautifully curled finish from the edge of the area.

The former Chelsea academy graduate has made a habit of cutting in 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 exciting prospect has contributed two goals in 25 first-team outings.

Both are proving themselves to be valuable senior options. Ngumoha has 14 league outings this season compared to Dowman's four.

That said, it's important to acknowledge that Dowman has missed a substantial chunk of this campaign through 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 potential shock inclusion in England's World Cup squad. However, Theo Walcott says he should reject Thomas Tuchel's call-up if it materialises.

His latest appearance came as a substitute in this week's edgy Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting CP. A 0-0 draw was enough to book a semi-final showdown against Atletico Madrid. Dowman is set to be part of the squad for Sunday's top-of-the-table showdown at Manchester City.