Ethan Nwaneri may have unlocked a new position as he continues to feature in the ongoing European Under-21 Championship. Following a breakthrough season with Arsenal, the English starlet is now representing his country in the U21 Euros in Slovakia.
While he is yet to register a goal or assist, he caught the eye during a lively substitute appearance in England’s opening match. He was then handed his first start of the competition in a recent draw against Slovenia, though the position he played in may have surprised many Gooners.
A new role under Carsley’s guidance
For Lee Carsley’s side, Nwaneri started on the left of midfield in a 4-2-2-2 formation. Harvey Elliott occupied the opposite flank, with James McAtee and Jonathan Rowe leading the line. As the match progressed, Nwaneri’s role evolved into that of a traditional left winger, tasked with stretching the play rather than cutting inside.
He featured in that role throughout the first half before shifting to the right wing in the second. While his performance did not set the game alight, there were clear positives on display.
Versatility could open new pathway into Arsenal’s XI
Nwaneri became known for his versatility during his breakthrough campaign. Although naturally a number 10, he spent much of the season deputising for Bukayo Saka on the right. However, with no clear route into the starting eleven, especially as Saka and Martin Ødegaard returned to full fitness, his game time dwindled.
The potential to now operate on the left flank could provide another valuable string to his bow. With Lee Carsley already trialling him in that role, Mikel Arteta may be tempted to explore the same. Uncertainty around the futures of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli adds further intrigue, particularly if Arsenal do not secure a new wide option this summer.
There are currently no indications that Arteta is planning such a tactical shift, but it raises an interesting question: would Gooners welcome Nwaneri as a left-wing option next season?
Benjamin Kenneth
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Nope. No way!
If we’re going to look at new left wing options, we need to be looking at a player that is an upgrade on Martinelli, who is already a good player in that position. Nwaneri is an awesome but raw talent and maybe a backup in a pinch for that position at best but it seems way smarter to train him up as the backup/rotation for Odegaard (and Saka when needed).
Bergkampfwagen, my thoughts exactly.
Fancy playing a left footed player on the left wing where he can cross the ball on the run unlike the inverted species which are currently flavour of the month, who have to turn back on to their stronger foot .Who knows this idea may catch on!
Brilliant Grandad!!
Grandad, playing a right footed player out wide on the left worked for our previous manager, Overmars and Pires.
But look at the players they had supporting them HD.
Chalk and cheese in my opinion.
We had a world class finisher and a No 10 who would supply brilliant passes and through balls to both of them.
Here’s a tester – can either of you name the one player who could play either left or right wing and be as successful in both positions?
Surely it has to be the one and only George Armstrong?!
Ken, while I agree that we had top players supporting those two players I mentioned, the fact remains Overmars and Pires were right footed players playing out wide on the left.
As for George Geordie Armstrong, what a player he was. Like you quite said, he was successful on either wing. For someone who was right footed, his left foot delivered some wonderful crosses. Another plus was he also tracked backed to help defend. Outstanding player.
Ken1945,
I’ll chuck another one at you to a lesser degree.
A certain Anders Limpar, he had dynamite in both feet. 👍
I can remember Joe Haverty in my first ever Arsenal game. Can’t remember who it was against, but still can recall some of the team.🤣
Nwaneri looks most comfortable to me when playing from the middle. And I think that’s where he’d most likely excel
Ethan wasn’t so great on the left (missed an absolute tap in), but looked more like his usual when he switched sides.
He had a decent enough game in the loss against a quite aggressive German U21 side yesterday.