Wayne Rooney has complimented teenage winger Max Dowman for being the Premier League’s youngest goalscorer ever.
The 16-year-old scored in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday, pushing the Gunners nine points clear at the top of the table.
Dowman’s breakout moment has been compared to Rooney’s own early ascension. The former England striker held the Premier League’s youngest scorer record when he scored for Everton against Arsenal in 2002 at the age of sixteen.
Rooney says the teenager now confronts the problem of juggling football and academic obligations.
“He has got his GCSEs, and his education, I’m sure for him and his family, is important as well,” Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show.
“What an opportunity for him to be around the squad. He could be a Premier League winner when he’s still finishing school off.”
Rooney also suggested Dowman’s outings could be limited in the closing weeks of the season as he prepares for tests.
“He’s got an aura and a belief about him and it was the same against Everton,” he said. “If it’s education first, I don’t think we’ll see much of him over the next few weeks.”
The former striker reflected on his own experience after scoring his first Premier League goal at the age of sixteen.
Rooney claimed he was making £75 per week before turning professional and had borrowed money from his parents at the time. After the spectacular goal, he resumed playing football on the streets with pals.
He pointed out that the effect of social media has created a new environment for young athletes.
“Now we’re in social media,” Rooney said. “People will be messaging, Instagram or Twitter, whatever he’s got. And you’ll be seeing it everywhere.”
Rooney also commended Dowman’s poise and offensive style on the pitch.
“He seems, from the games I’ve watched, to not let that pressure affect him because he gets the ball, he holds on to it, he commits defenders, he goes to take them on,” he said.
Rooney said that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and veteran players will keep the youngster grounded as his career progresses.
“For a 16-year-old with that ability, you just hope he can go and fulfil that potential. Let him enjoy it and go and express himself,” Rooney said.
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