Given his outstanding performances in recent months, there is growing concern about what will happen to Ethan Nwaneri once Bukayo Saka returns to full fitness. Nwaneri has been exceptional for the team, drawing inevitable comparisons to Saka due to the way he approaches the game. His ability to drive forward from the right wing, take on defenders with confidence, and deliver dangerous balls into the opposition’s area makes him an exciting prospect for the future.
It is impossible to ignore his goal contributions as well. Many of the goals he has scored so far have mirrored those Saka regularly produces for the team. The composure he shows in front of goal, the intelligent positioning and the confidence with which he strikes the ball are all traits that have been integral to Saka’s success. With that in mind, is it not time to acknowledge the most obvious solution to the question of Nwaneri’s role?
No one is suggesting that Saka’s position should be shared, as he remains one of the first names on the team sheet. However, the need for a strong backup option has been discussed by many Gooners, particularly given the physical demands placed on Saka. The winger played a crucial role for England at Euro 2024, and as a result, managing his workload at club level is more important than ever.
Although some might argue that Arsenal should look to the transfer market to find a suitable alternative, the reality is that they may already have the perfect solution in Nwaneri. The youngster has demonstrated in recent weeks that he is more than capable of stepping up when needed. His performances suggest that he is not only a talented player but also one who is suited to playing in a system that relies on dynamic, creative wide players.
Rather than spending money on an external option, Arsenal should recognise what they already have in Nwaneri. He has shown that he possesses the qualities required to be Saka’s understudy, and with continued development, he could play a significant role in the squad for years to come.
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Well this boy is not a back up anymore with performances like he had against Leicester.
Question remans, where should we play him when Saka returns to full fitness? He has a mean finesse on his left foot, havent really seen how his right foot is.
He ain’t no back up at all.
To describe Nwaneri as a “back up” is to fail to recognise the huge talent he possesses and the fact that he has already translated potential into real quality performances in the League and in Europe.This lad is the real deal and Saka will have to accept that he may no longer be an automatic first choice at RW .Tough competition can only be good for our team,and as I alluded to some time ago, Arteta may be faced with the pleasant problem of accommodating both players in his first eleven.I believe Max Dowman is another gem from our Academy who is very highly rated by many in the “know” and I would hope he will emerge and become a recognised member of our first team squad in the not too distant future.
Nwaneri has done all the work and ticked all the boxes necessary in identifying both Saka and Odergaard’s competition in their respective positions.
Arsenal has no excuse to be going around looking for players in those positions. Their focus must be on a striker while developing academy support.
Surely Nwaneri ends the gaffer obsession with Raphinna.
He’s younger, explosive he’s even less predictable than Saka, when it comes to driving to the byline
Last time he played Odegaard’s role at wolves he was lost. RW seem much fit
what a talent,absolutely no need looking for backup.Ethan has come to stay
There’s no reason why both Saka & Nwaneri couldn’t play in the same eleven. Saka has played well in midfield for England and Ethan has shown he’s also good centrally. It’s a good situation for Arsenal, especially so with Odegeerd needing to be rested occasionally.
It gives Arteta a chance to rotate his more creative players, and less chances to break them.
Ødegaard