Ethan Nwaneri received widespread praise following his debut for Olympique Marseille, but his recent performances have been more challenging, with a difficult outing at the weekend highlighting his current struggles. Expectations were high after his initial impact, yet the latest fixture proved a sobering experience for the young attacker.
A stern test against dominant opponents
Olympique Marseille faced PSG at the weekend in a match that offered Nwaneri the opportunity to demonstrate his ability against the European champions. PSG remain the dominant force in French football, and one of the reasons Marseille moved to sign Nwaneri was to help close the gap and challenge their position at the top. The encounter was viewed as a significant test of how far Marseille have progressed behind their wealthy rivals.
Marseille have generally performed well in pursuit of PSG this season, and the match presented a chance to show that they could compete on a similar level. Instead, PSG delivered a clear demonstration of superiority, securing a five-nil victory and leaving Marseille overwhelmed. Nwaneri, like many of his teammates, appeared stunned by the intensity and quality of the opposition.
The Parisians showcased why they are regarded as Europe’s elite, controlling the game from start to finish and making Marseille look second best throughout. It was a harsh reminder of the gap that still exists between the two sides and the work required for Marseille to truly challenge for domestic dominance.
Media reaction to a difficult display
For Nwaneri, the match did not unfold as he would have hoped. Tasked with influencing the game in a demanding environment, he struggled to find space or impose himself, often being forced into defensive duties as PSG applied relentless pressure. His performance mirrored that of several teammates who found it difficult to cope with the occasion.
The French media were critical in their assessment, reflecting the scale of Marseille’s struggles. Foot Mercato rated Nwaneri 3/10 and added:
‘Invisible, lacking direction, and constantly forced to drop back to defend and help his bewildered teammates, the attacking midfielder endured a difficult first half. He appeared too shaky and, above all, didn’t have the opportunity to showcase his ball control.’
While the setback was significant, it represents another learning moment in what remains an early stage of his development at Marseille.
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Nwaneri should be at Arsenal
Nwaneri has a fair amount of developing to do. His performances haven’t been great unfortunately. A number of people on this and other forums had indicated that they were rather baffled that Nwaneri wasn’t getting more playing time at Arsenal. Many of those fans now will say nothing as they would have to admit that their criticism of managerial decisions lacked substance.
David,
I’ll say plenty, you say people on here had indicated that they were rather baffled that Nwaneri wasn’t getting more game time at Arsenal.
You say that he has a fair amount of developing to do, and that his performances haven’t been great unfortunately.
And yet you constantly give a free pass to a player who hasn’t performed to a consistent level now for two seasons. I’ll leave you to name the player.
And when you do, no doubt it will be followed with excuses as to why he’s not been performing. 🤦♂️
Disagree with your unnamed assessment of Odegaard and the idea that he is given a free pass. Whilst not as effective since his operation, I would have the experience of our captain over a young( albeit exciting)prospect at this particular time. As it is, Nwaneri was sent on loan to play regularly which he most certainly wouldn’t be doing for the remainder of the season at home. Arteta is no fool. If Odegaard and others are finding it hard to guarantee a starting spot what was wrong with David saying that Nwaneri has more developing to do?
SueP,
There was nothing wrong with David saying that Nwaneri has more developing to do.
My point was that like it or not SueP, Odegaard is given a free pass most of the time for his below par performances.
Straight away you yourself made an excuse for him regarding his operation. Yes he’s had his injury issues, and my favorite one of him becoming a Dad for the first time.
But his performances overall have been consistently bad for three seasons now. And if questioned, the old favorite quote comes out, well he runs around a lot and is good at the press. Should that really be enough for the club captain to constantly retain his place in the starting 11.
To be honest SueP, and anyone else who doesn’t agree with me then fine. We’re going to have to agree to disagree on the Odegaard debate.
As I’ve said in the past, he’s a good player but nothing more. He’s certainly not the player that certain poster’s would have you believe.
But it’s all about opinions, and I think by now you know mine. 🤷♂️👍
Looking at Foot Mercato’s ratings for both teams, only one Marseille player scored more than Nwaneri, with a 4/10. The rest of his teammates were rated as bad or worse than he was. So no blame on Ethan.
From the headline I thought it was an article about Nwaneri individually having a nightmare of a night…
Advertiser pleasing headlines Kia.
It’s a good thing for his development. You learn from adversity and it can shape your character depending on how you react to it.
His manager’s now left the club, which might have a negative impact on Nwaneri’s position at Marseille’s.
He (de Zerbi) will probably get the Spurs job now.
Jax,
If de zebri gets the job, at least he knows where he’ll be for the next six months. And then?😂🤣👍
Derek, I dunno how they get through so many managers, and some of them were pretty good.
Jax,
They get through so many managers, maybe the problem is deeper than just constantly changing managers.
Maybe the people at the top are the problem. But it keeps us entertained, so it’s not all bad. 😂👍