January 2nd 2025.
When 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri took to the field for his full Premier League debut against Brentford, he left a lasting impression on his teammates and fans alike. Mikel Merino, who scored Arsenal's second goal in their 3-1 victory, was quick to praise the young wonderkid, hailing him as an "unbelievable" player with a bright future ahead of him.
It was back in September 2022 when Nwaneri made history as the youngest Premier League player ever, coming off the bench in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Brentford at the tender age of 15 years and 181 days. And now, on New Year's Day, he showed off his skills once again, producing an outstanding all-round performance that helped the Gunners reduce Liverpool's lead at the top to just six points.
Nwaneri's impressive display would have made him a strong contender for the man-of-the-match award, if not for another stellar performance from Gabriel Jesus, who scored his sixth goal in four games. Merino, who had a great game himself, spoke highly of Nwaneri after the match, highlighting his talent and humble attitude.
"He's not just an exceptional player, but also a really nice guy who's quite shy," Merino said in an interview with Super Sport. "He's always eager to learn and takes advice from the more experienced players and the coach. He's constantly looking for ways to improve himself, and that's something that sets him apart."
But it's not just Nwaneri who impressed Merino. The Spanish midfielder also praised the other young players in the team, who may not have played in the match but have been training with the first team. He emphasized the importance of Arsenal's academy and the talented youngsters it produces.
"They are such exceptional players at such a young age that it's almost scary," Merino admitted. "I remember when I was 17, I was just a little kid, but these guys are competing against some of the best teams in Europe with no fear. It's our responsibility to take care of them and help them reach their full potential because they have a bright future ahead of them."
Looking ahead, Merino is optimistic about what the new year holds for Arsenal. He believes that their impressive performance against Brentford is a great way to kick off the year and hopes for more positive results in the future. He also stressed the importance of focusing on themselves rather than worrying about other teams' results, confident that good things will come if they continue to work hard.
As for his goal, which came from a set-piece routine, Merino revealed that they train extensively on set-pieces, recognizing their significance in the modern game. He also expressed his satisfaction with their set-piece performance and believes that there is always room for improvement.
On a personal note, Merino dedicated his goal celebration to his father, who was also a footballer and used to do the same celebration for Merino's grandmother. It's a way for him to honor his father and show his love and respect for him.
Overall, it was a great start to the new year for Arsenal, and Merino hopes that they can continue to build on their success and achieve even greater things in the future. With talented youngsters like Nwaneri coming through the ranks and experienced players like himself, Arsenal's future looks bright.
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