Lamine Yamal and Max Dowman share one crucial quality, according to Spain and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya — the ability to play football like “they are playing at school.”

Yamal, 18, and Dowman, 15, are two of the world’s most talented wingers, albeit at different stages of their careers. Yamal was a Ballon d’Or runner-up this year and is a key player for club and country, while Dowman has only made five senior appearances for Arsenal.

The England youth international is tipped for big things, however, and while Raya refused to compare the pair’s ability in an exclusive interview with ESPN, he did share similarities on how they play the game.

“I would not ever compare two players, even less two players with that quality. They are two very different players,” Raya said. “But where they are similar is that when they go out onto the pitch, they enjoy it. They are always playing with a smile that it seems that they are playing in the school.

“They go out there to play, to have a good time. It is clear that they compete to help the team, but that naturalness in the way they play football, and at the level they’re playing, is incredible.”

Raya went on to hail Dowman’s ability at such a young age.

“He’s 15, he’s turning 16 at the end of the year,” he added. “He’s incredible.

“Obviously, we don’t share that much in the dressing room because he’s not allowed with the rules and everything. But sharing the pitch is the maturity that he shows on the pitch, the willingness that he has just to enjoy and to be himself, to take on players, and always with a smile on his face is incredible.

“We’ve been trending with him since he was 14 years old, so very impressed with him and his quality his qualities as a player.”

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Raya has established himself a key cog in Arsenal’s defensive machine since joining the club in 2023, although there was a rumour that Madrid were interested in the Spain international following a ACL injury to Thibaut Courtois. But Raya joined Arsenal — initially on loan — while Madrid instead signed Kepa Arrizabalaga.

“I know that there is that rumour, but exactly when Courtois gets injured there, I am doing the medical exam with Arsenal already,” Raya explained. “So, there was no way that if Madrid had called … well it would have been very difficult for me to leave for Madrid. I think there was a rumour, but I have no knowledge of it.

“The only contact I received from Madrid was when I had my serious injury and I really appreciate it a lot. When I had the knee injury, they sent me a letter saying they hope that I recover very well they sent lots of strength. The truth that it is a gesture very good on their part, that they don’t have the reason to do it, but the truth is that I appreciated it a lot.”

There are several ways that one could react upon watching David Rodriguez rise through a thick blanket of snow to net the equalising goal for Atlético Ottawa in Sunday’s Canadian Premier League final.

The most likely of which would be some kind of incomprehensible noise of appreciation at the 23-year-old Mexican’s ability to get up despite the slippery conditions, swing his boot over his head and rocket a bicycle kick off the underside of the crossbar and into the back of the net.

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Very quickly, however, your focus would almost certainly come to settle on the thick blanket of sleet that was covering the pitch, in combination with the heavy flurry continuing to fall, and wonder just how, even allowing for the hardy winter reputation of the Canadians, a game of football could be played in such conditions. Up to 20cm of snow hit Ottawa over the course of Sunday, but with a postponement out of the question, snowploughs were called into action throughout the day to try and clear the pitch and allow for an eventually delayed kickoff in the Canadian Premier League decider.

Once play actually began — the orange winter ball behaving as one would expect in the conditions — proceedings were frequently stopped by the match officials to allow for clearing to ensure the pitch markings remain visible. At one point Ottawa goalkeeper Nathan Ingham even picked up a shovel to help clear the field and get play moving once more. A shouting match then broke out between Atlético coach Diego Mejia and opposition Cavarly FC boss Tommy Wheeldon Jr over the absence of substitutes on the former’s bench.

GOAL 🦖

DAVID RODRIGUEZ ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!!

BICYCLE KICK GOAL IN THE 2025 CANADIAN PREMIER LEAGUE FINAL TO LEVEL THINGS UP FOR @atletiOttawa 🤯🤯🤯

🔴 Watch the #CanPL final LIVE on OneSoccer, TSN & FuboTV pic.twitter.com/4RhNsBI4zH

— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) November 9, 2025

Citing the example of participants at the FIFA Club World Cup leaving their substitutes in the dressing room to avoid the heat, Atlético had instructed their reserve players to remain inside to avoid the fierce elements at kickoff, which Wheeldon Jr took issue with. The referees eventually sided with the Cavalry boss, and the Atlético bench returned to the frozen tundra that was TD Place.

Given the scenes, let alone the spectacular nature of Rodríguez’s goal, the game has already been touted as one that will go down in Canadian footballing folklore. The … icing … on the cake also came from Rodríguez: the 23-year-old popped up again in extra-time to chip Cavalry keeper Marco Carducci and secure his side the North Star Cup, as well as a berth in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen is on the radar of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, while Manchester City still hold interest in Real Madrid winger Rodrygo. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

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TRENDING RUMORS

– Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are looking at West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen, according to Football Insider. The 28-year-old is reportedly receiving attention from both Premier League sides, but the Hammers would only be prepared to consider letting him go if they receive an “irresistible” offer. Bowen’s future at the London Stadium remains secured until the summer of 2030 after the England international signed a seven-year extension in 2023.

– Manchester City still hold interest in Real Madrid winger Rodrygo. Fabrizio Romano says that the 24-year-old Brazil international is appreciated by City manager Pep Guardiola, but any move is more likely to take place in the summer and would cost around €80 million. Despite reports of interest emerging from Chelsea, it is reported that the Blues aren’t currently exploring a move for Rodrygo, though his future at the Bernabéu remains uncertain due to a difficult competition for minutes, with just two starts in LaLiga so far this season.

– An approach for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is being lined up by Chelsea, reports TEAMtalk. The Blues are reported to have placed the 21-year-old at the top of their shortlist and believe he has the potential to be a future cornerstone for the club, but they are unlikely to make a move in January due to the expected transfer fee of over £100 million. Como midfielder Nico Paz, 21, has been identified as an alternative to Wharton, who has also been linked with Manchester United, though they are very different types of players.

– Barcelona are interested in Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, according to The Guardian. The LaLiga club have reportedly made the 32-year-old their No. 1 priority amid their search to find the ideal successor to 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski, who is set to be out of contract in June. Kane’s impressive form has seen him score 23 goals in 16 matches across all competitions this season, and a clause in his contract allows him to be signed for a fee of around €65 million in the summer.

– A battle between Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Chelsea is expected to take place for the signing of Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, per Gazzetta dello Sport. It is reported that contract talks have stalled after a recent meeting, with the 20-year-old looking for an offer worth in the region of €6 million-per-season. The Bianconeri have now paused talks with Yildiz’s representatives, but they will demand a transfer fee in excess of €100 million if they are unable to sign him to an extension as several clubs are monitoring the situation.

EXPERT TAKE

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OTHER RUMORS

– An approach for Bayern Munich forward Serge Gnabry has been ruled out by Juventus following concerns over his expected salary demands. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

– Manchester United are planning to trust their squad during the Africa Cup of Nations in January, despite losing top scorer Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, and won’t make any “knee-jerk” signings. (Sun)

– Borussia Dortmund aren’t preparing a move to re-sign Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, who is on loan at Aston Villa. (Bild)

– Real Madrid striker Endrick is closing in on a loan switch to Lyon. (Globo)

– Juventus have entered the race for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who has recently been linked with Chelsea and Bayern Munich. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

– A total agreement is close between Atletico Madrid and attacking midfielder Giuliano Simeone, who is expected to sign a new contract that secures his future at the Wanda Metropolitano until the summer of 2030. (Marca)

– Espanyol have made an enquiry to Santos regarding midfielder Robinho Jr. (Globo)

– Al Ahli could face competition from top clubs in Europe, MLS, and the Saudi Pro League for Galatasaray winger Leroy Sane. (Ekrem Konur)

– A move for Everton midfielder James Garner is being considered by Newcastle. (Football Insider)

– Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle are among the Premier League teams keeping tabs on Club Brugge defensive midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic. (Matteo Moretto)

– Internazionale are interested in Club Brugge center back Joel Ordonez. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

– Talks are ongoing between Sheffield United and free-agent striker Patrick Bamford. (Telegraph)