Ethan Nwaneri is poised to challenge for a position in the Arsenal starting lineup, and this is not mere speculation; it is a certainty. Once again on Wednesday, I found myself thoroughly impressed by the Hale End Star. Watching the 17-year-old, one cannot help but sense his enchanting presence and the remarkable maturity he possesses for his age.
Back in the summer, the Arsenal academy utility player demonstrated his ability to excel beyond expectations. He delivered impressive performances in preseason matches against Manchester United and Bournemouth. Many Gooners anticipated that he would play a significant role this season. Mikel Arteta made the intriguing decision to allow Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe (on a permanent exit), and Reiss Nelson to depart during the summer. For many, it was evident that the Spaniard took that decisive step to allow Nwaneri to join his team.
That said, while on international duty with Norway during the September break, Martin Odegaard sustained an injury. Suddenly, there were proposals for Arteta to replace his injured captain with Nwaneri. He chose a different path; the Hale End Star has only made a 17-minute cameo in Odegaard’s absence, which occurred during the 1-0 victory against Spurs.
Even so, on Wednesday, with the Arsenal bench keen to rest their key stars, an opportunity arose for Nwaneri to start his first competitive Arsenal game and demonstrate his abilities. He started against Bolton in that Carabao Cup match and shone as Arsenal triumphed over Bolton with a score of 5-1.
The Academy star delivered an outstanding performance. He demonstrated why many consider him a supernatural talent, showcasing his remarkable ability to perform feats on the pitch that very few can achieve. His decision-making is outstanding, and like Odegaard, he excels at retaining possession of the ball. Nonetheless, he possesses greater potential than the Arsenal captain due to his superior running ability, making him a more significant transitional threat.
In that resounding win over Bolton, where he netted two goals, Nwaneri demonstrated his readiness to rise to the occasion if needed. With his performance, he justified the reasons behind the calls for him to have been the one to fill in for Odegaard in the lineup, as well as why Arteta might consider starting him against Leicester.
Versus Bolton he had:
26/28 passes completed
5 touches in opp. box
3 duels won
3x possession won
2 chances created
2 tackles
2 shots
2 goals
If opportunities arise for him to play, I believe that in a few months, Nwaneri will be a starter in this Arsenal team. The question is, who will he bench?
Jack Anderson
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Yes with such strong performance, he has to be seriously considered against moderate opposition.
While I doubt if he will start against Leicester he has demonstrated real ability and I suspect he will be used from the bench on a regular basis.Difficult to know his best position at this stage of his development , but he may be used on the wing in the physically demanding EPL.Earlier today, Arteta seemed to indicate that it would not be long before Merino resumed training, which would be great news given the continued absence of Odegaard.
Jack
A bit presumptuous to say he will be a starter in a few months
He is a great prospect for us still learning his trade
When the whole team is fit he will be on the bench at best
If we have a good cup run then I can see him starting in those games but not league games.
If he continues his progression then I see him in a few seasons time fighting for a first team place
Onwards and upwards
Yes, but let’s not go OTT here. He certainly had a good performance (and scored twice, of course) against Bolton – but it’s Bolton in the third tier of English football we’re talking about.
For his own sake (confidence-wise etc.) Nwaneri needs to be introduced slowly and at the right time to the considerably tougher EPL, something that I’m sure Arteta will do. In the meantime, there’s Preston coming up in the cup – seems ideal.
I’d like to see Nwaneri enhance his off-the-ball game if he can get that part down then I think he’d be a great option to come in and bolster our midfield Odegaard Rice Partey are all top players at the gritty side of the game if Ethan can work on that area then he’d have a great impact in my humble opinion
When odegaard is gone, nwaneri should start, soce we sold ESR and Loaned Viera, need his flair, vision and pass. so arteta should play him now! before midfield are crowded.
I think there will be many opportunities for the boy this season.
We will hopefully play several games in the EFL and FA Cup competitions.
If he continues to play well, maybe he will get time against the lower Premier teams too.
Having seen what has happened to the teenagers who have played for Barcelona over the past few years, I think that should act as a warning to Arteta!
Lets play him now for 30 minutes in EPL matches at the place of Odegard/Saka. Then every one including him, Arteta will understand whats working for him and where improvements needed.
MA has repeatedly said that selection is based on what he sees in training.