September 26th 2024.
According to former Arsenal player Paul Merson, Ethan Nwaneri is a truly exceptional player. At just 17 years old, Nwaneri has already made quite a name for himself in the world of football. In fact, he made history when he became the youngest player to ever play in the Premier League back in 2022, debuting for the Gunners at the tender age of 15 years and 181 days.
Just a couple of years later, Nwaneri made his first senior start for Arsenal in their 5-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup. He even managed to score two goals in that game, impressing alongside other talented players such as Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, and Declan Rice.
With star midfielder Martin Odegaard currently out with an injury, many believe that Nwaneri could be the one to step up and help Arsenal in their quest for the Premier League title. Merson is definitely a believer in Nwaneri's abilities, praising Arsenal for their handling of his development. However, he also cautions that they should not rush the young player into regular first-team action.
Merson, while discussing Nwaneri's goals against Bolton in an interview with Sky Sports, said, "That's a good goal, a clever goal, he gets into the six-yard box. He's got the confidence to have a shot." It's clear that Merson sees Nwaneri's potential and is impressed by his skills on the field.
Nwaneri's first goal for Arsenal against Bolton was a result of his own clever play, and his second goal came from taking advantage of a mistake made by the Bolton defense. Merson acknowledges that it's not easy to consistently perform for a top team like Arsenal, especially since they have the resources to bring in talented players from around the world.
But he also gives credit to Arsenal for giving young players like Nwaneri a chance to showcase their skills. He points out that it's beneficial for Nwaneri to be playing with confident players like Declan Rice, and that the timing of his debut is crucial. Merson believes that Nwaneri has the potential to become a special player for Arsenal, but he also emphasizes the importance of patience. After all, Nwaneri is playing for one of the best clubs in the world, and it takes time to establish oneself in such a competitive environment.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also had high praise for Nwaneri after the Bolton game, saying that the young midfielder is not far from earning his first Premier League start. Perhaps Nwaneri's chance will come in their upcoming match against Leicester, where he could make his full top-flight debut.
It's clear that Nwaneri has a bright future ahead of him, and he has the support of both his former and current teammates, as well as the admiration of fans and experts alike. As he continues to develop and prove himself on the field, fans of Arsenal will surely be eagerly watching and waiting to see what this special player can achieve.
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