Ethan Nwaneri could hardly have asked for a more encouraging start to life at Borussia Dortmund after playing a decisive role in their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Hoffenheim.
The Arsenal youngster only completed his season-long loan move to the Bundesliga club at the beginning of the week, but was called into action earlier than expected on his Dortmund debut.
Most importantly from an Arsenal perspective, he made his opportunity count.
Nwaneri already making an impact in Germany
Dortmund found themselves 2-0 down before fighting back, with Nwaneri heavily involved in the move that produced their winning goal.
Speaking afterwards to Borussia Dortmund’s media team, the 19-year-old explained how quickly he is already beginning to develop an understanding with his new teammates.
“It was a good move from us,” Nwaneri said. “Jobe found me in the pocket. I found Fabio, and then I think that was just some connections that we’re gonna start building.
“It was a good team goal and hopefully we can do that a lot more.”
Nwaneri also spoke positively about the Dortmund supporters, explaining that their energy helped drive the team through a difficult game and towards the victory.
For Arsenal, this is precisely the sort of experience another loan spell was intended to provide.
Arsenal will be watching his progress closely
Nwaneri spent the second half of last season with Marseille, where circumstances changed after Roberto De Zerbi’s departure and regular opportunities became harder to find.
Mikel Arteta had been impressed by the maturity the youngster showed after returning from France, suggesting that even a challenging loan had helped his development.
Arsenal subsequently sanctioned another temporary move when Dortmund came calling.
Nwaneri himself made clear just how attractive that opportunity was, telling Dortmund after completing the transfer that he was “ready to go” as soon as he heard of their interest.
Importantly, Arsenal have also protected their position. As we previously reported, the agreement contains a recall clause, leaving the Gunners with the option of bringing him back should circumstances require it.
For now, though, the priority is minutes and development.
One appearance certainly cannot tell us how successful an entire season will be, particularly after what happened at Marseille. But becoming involved in a winning goal during a dramatic comeback just days after arriving is about as positive a beginning as Arsenal could have hoped for.
If Nwaneri can build on this, his season in Germany could prove extremely valuable both for the youngster and for Arsenal.
Do you think Dortmund is the right club for Nwaneri’s development? Let us know in the comments.
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If he continues to excel and we are hit by injuries (hopefully not ) we will have to recall Nwaneri because we sold Martinelli, Trossard and Jesus.
But hopefully our injuries are minimal and not serious
Also hope our forwards players like Tzolis, Eze, Merino, Madueke, Saka, Havertz and Gyokeres do well physically, mentally and performance wise
One important thing to remember about loan recall option, it can only be taken in transfer windows, due to registration rules.
I think he can come back for treatment, not playing as not playing registered outside window.
If we don’t take option in January we have to wait till end of loan.
Would be great for his development if he finished his full season at BvB!!
I hope he has an enjoyable season over there in Germany..
Missed the game yesterday because delayed fligth, but was happy to see the result on PL website, and enjoyed
the final minutes shown on arsenal utube channel. Liked
the tension in Adrian Clark´s face.. also liked how many
afc fans had viewed expressions head loss after a goalless draw. Hoping we can rotate a bit for the Napoli game as Sunderland will be tough !!
The weekends showed us some unexpected results. Munich’s goalless draw. PSG still without a win. Mourinho’s Real Madrid beaten. Ronaldo’s Al Nassr also.
Nwaneri’s Dortmund need to capitalise on the blip of Munich
Surely and Development is a Development:
~ For young stars will always need stage to put in practice what they’ve been learning in academy
~ Ethian is not an exception
~ It is just the beginning
~ He must soldier on
~ Saliba is a good benchmark
Do we know what position and role they played him in?
Across the front, attacking midfield, deeper?
I saw the game he was amazing. His cross from deep on the left flank in the opposing team area, resulted in an own goal. Wow! I was so excited I almost fell off my chair, lol.
He starts for the first time today against Paderborn. As I’m typing BVB go 1-0 up.
He was subbed off in the 64 minute. He didnt have a bad game, set up a good chance for their CF whose shot was hit the keepers arm and went out for a corner. BVB went on to score 2 more goals.