Ethan Nwaneri appears to be establishing himself as the next big thing from Hale End.
In a game against West Ham, where many expected his academy colleague Amario Cozier-Duberry to make his debut, he was introduced as a 77th-minute substitute, replacing Gabriel Martinelli.
Mikel Arteta confessed, via Arsenal.com, that his players were so convinced of Nwaneri’s quality that they were compelled to introduce him: “There is something that you have to do in your team, and that is the trust of the teammates. And I had two things: one, the players on the bench whispering to bring Ethan on, which is a great thing to hear.”
After making several appearances on the Arsenal bench this season, Mikel Arteta opted to give Nwaneri an opportunity in the London Derby.
Despite being introduced late in the game, the teenager produced a series of exquisite touches and silky dribbles that had the buoyant away end cooing with delight.
He finished the game with an 83% pass completion rate, won two of his three defensive duels, and had 20 touches. His impressive performance in the limited time indicates how motivated he is to break into the Arsenal lineup. Mikel Arteta also praised Nwaneri’s performance against the Hammers: “And the other one, your teammates want to give you the ball all of the time. If they do that, it’s because they really trust you, and you can only have to see how many times he was involved in that. So it was a great sign.”
I don’t know about you, but I have high hopes for Ethan Nwaneri, he seems to be expected to be the next big thing coming out from Hale End.
Sam P
Here is the latest DUBLIN ARSENAL video picking their BEST EVER ARSENAL XI compiled of our Gunners since moving to the Emirates What is yours?
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
I think Patino is ahead of him for a central midfield role in the main squad next season, because Patino has been gaining experience in another club
We’ve still got Havertz and Vieira as well, so it’s going to be a tough competition for Nwaneri, unless he can play another position
I believe Patino prefers to play slightly deeper, a Jack Wilshire type of midfielder and Nwaneri is more of a combo of Odegaard and smith Rowe…
Maybe, but Patino played in Xhaka’s and Odegaard’s positions with the senior players
I’ve not been convinced by what I’ve seen of patino – looks decent at championship level, but not outstanding. Not saying he won’t make it at arsenal, I just question how close he really is to our first team at this point in time. I really wouldn’t be surprised if he was either sold or sent out on loan again next season.
From what I’ve seen of nwaneri, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he would be outstanding at championship level even now. Some players don’t need to go out on loan.
I also think nwaneri is *positionally* far better suited to the cm role in our team than havertz and especially Vieira – it’s just far too soon to put him into the starting lineup, but I hope arteta is more willing to give him a few minutes here and there as the season goes on.
I hate contributing to the hype around such a young player, but I do think nwaneri is the real deal. It’s just a question of when imo.
Patino would also have to compete with too many AMs at Arsenal
Nwaneri’s strength, balance and technical skills look very good for a small midfielder
As Dino says, I think patino has been playing more as a deep playmaker/holding midfielder – I think he’s developing towards a jorginho type of player, which would be welcome, I’m just not convinced he’s going to be ready for next season.
His touches were very sharp and hes not scared of taking on the oponents
I want to see more of these lads given some playing time next season when, hopefully we have a longer run in the domestic cup competitions.
Arteta should start taking some calculated risks by fielding these boys along with their more established team mates. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Ethan Nwaneri can become a World Class baller. He has simply just got it. He is going to be up there with Liam Brady and Aaron Ramsey. By next year he’ll be coming on more regularly and will become a regular starter n the not too distant future. Hale End makes me happy.
For a very talented 16 year old Ethan is in danger of being overhyped by fans and bloggers alike. I’d rather see him stay and slowly work himself into the squad on a regular basis and get the odd minutes or game here and there, rather than being loaned out. Perhaps a regular starter for the season after next if he continue his progress.
Considering the fact he got a debut at 15 and more minutes at 16 I think it’s fair to say he will see first-team football more regularly in the future I think he’s destined Arteta surely rates him
Hyping players who are still VERY young but who have already shown immense promise in a very short few minutes at 15 and then16. in our first team, is something that often proves fruitless.
But that may or MAY NOT be my fate too, when I confidently predict Nwaneri as our NEXT big breakthrough star from our youth set up, in the VERY NEAR future.