Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could unlock another level of success by giving more opportunities to three promising young players currently on the fringes of the first team.
The most intriguing name on Ferdinand’s list is 15-year-old Max Dowman, a dynamic attacking midfielder who generated significant buzz during pre-season. Comparisons to Lionel Messi swirled, yet Dowman has seen limited Premier League action, totaling just 27 minutes thus far.
An ankle injury has recently sidelined the teenager, but Ferdinand is adamant that upon his return to fitness, Dowman deserves a consistent look. He represents a unique threat, a wildcard capable of disrupting even the most meticulously prepared opposition defenses.
Ferdinand highlighted Dowman’s ability to inject uncertainty into opposing teams, forcing them to confront an unknown quantity. This unpredictable element, he argues, can be a pivotal factor in deciding crucial matches and ultimately, a championship season.
He drew a parallel to Sir Alex Ferguson’s knack for introducing unexpected game-changers, recalling Federico Macheda’s dramatic winner against Aston Villa as a turning point in a title-winning campaign. Those “maverick moments,” as Ferdinand called them, can shift momentum and define a season.
Alongside Dowman, Ferdinand also advocated for increased playing time for 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who has been linked with a potential January transfer due to his lack of opportunities. His talent, Ferdinand believes, is too significant to be left untapped.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, a young left-back who has recently lost his place in the starting eleven, also earned Ferdinand’s support. The former defender pointed to Lewis-Skelly’s impressive breakthrough season and questioned why he’s currently unable to break into the team.
Ferdinand’s argument isn’t simply about giving young players a chance; it’s about strategically utilizing their unique abilities to gain a competitive edge. He believes Arteta has the opportunity to add a dimension of unpredictability that could propel Arsenal to their first league title in two decades.
Arsenal currently lead the Premier League, but after three consecutive seasons as runners-up, Ferdinand suggests that embracing the potential of these young stars could be the key to finally breaking through and securing the championship.
The ability to introduce a player who forces opponents to completely reassess their game plan, to instill doubt and disrupt carefully laid plans, is a weapon that few teams possess. Ferdinand believes Arsenal has that weapon in Dowman, and potentially in Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly as well.
