Max Dowman makes Rio Ngumoha feelings clear with two-word message after 'special' weekend

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It proved to be an unforgettable weekend for Arsenal and Liverpool's brightest young stars, with Max Dowman sending a message to Rio Ngumoha after the pair lit up the Premier League

Max Dowman has sent a message to Rio Ngumoha(Image: Getty Images)

What a weekend it proved to be for Liverpool and Arsenal’s brightest young stars, with Rio Ngumoha and Max Dowman continuing to take the Premier League by storm.

Aged just 17 and 16 respectively, the pair have managed to force their way into the first-team picture at their clubs, with Mikel Arteta and Arne Slot unable to ignore their impressive performances this season.

Ngumoha already had a first league goal to his name after striking in the most dramatic of circumstances at Newcastle at the beginning of the season, and he continued his remarkable rise as he made his first league start against Tottenham on Sunday.

Although it proved to be a day to forget for the Reds as they were booed off after throwing away a win late on, the teenager provided a rare glimmer of hope as he caught the eye once again, even earning himself comparisons with Kylian Mbappe.

Likewise, Dowman stole the headlines on Saturday as he became the Premier League’s youngest ever scorer, having completed a 2-0 win for Arsenal over Everton that takes the Gunners a step closer to the title.

The pair look set for big things, and they’re clearly big fans of each other, with Dowman sending Ngumoha a message of support after the latter’s big day on Sunday.

Ngumoha posted on Instagram after Liverpool’s draw with Spurs to express his frustration at the result, but his pride on making his full league debut. “Disappointed with the result today but happy to make my first Premier League start. We go again,” he wrote along with a series of images from the game.

And among those responding in the comments was Dowman, with the Arsenal star posting: “The best!”

There is plenty of reason to be excited about both Ngumoha and Dowman, with former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge summing it up as he took to X after Liverpool’s game against Tottenham.

“Rio Ngumoha today. Max Dowman yesterday. The future of English football is looking special. Two seriously exciting young players,” Sturridge wrote.

Ngumoha will now be aiming to make another start as Liverpool faces Galatasaray in the second leg of its Champions League last-16 encounter, needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit. The teenager already has the backing of Reds legend Jamie Carragher to retain his place in the team.

“The big decision for Arne Slot will be who plays on the left-hand side in midweek - [Cody] Gakpo or Ngumoha - and for me, I think it will be Ngumoha,” Carragher said while commentating on Sky Sports.

“[Mohamed] Salah and [Hugo] Ekitike will come back in and then it is who plays on that left hand side.”