Should Ethan Nwaneri fans worry about his game time with Bukayo Saka’s return?
Last December, during the first half of Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace, Bukayo Saka suffered a hamstring tear. The injury required surgery, ruling him out for an extended period. However, on Thursday, Saka announced his return to full training, hinting at his readiness to compete for a spot in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.
With Saka’s return, one thing is certain: when Saka regains full match fitness, he will reclaim his place on Arsenal’s right wing.
Why? Because before his injury, Saka had featured as Arsenal’s right winger in almost every Premier League game for four consecutive seasons. In fact, his three-month absence is the longest spell he’s been sidelined since making his professional debut.
Prior to his setback, Saka was reaching dazzling heights, consistently contributing goals and assists. He’s simply not a player to be left on the bench.
But with Saka back in the starting line-up, what does this mean for Ethan Nwaneri, who had been finding his feet in the Premier League while filling in on Arsenal’s right wing?
Could Nwaneri’s progress be disrupted just like that?
Unfortunately, Nwaneri’s opportunities for game time are likely to decrease, which is disappointing. While he’s a strong option as a right winger or even as a right central midfielder, Saka and Odegaard are bound to be the preferred choices for those roles.
However, the young Gunner just needs to keep putting in the work and making an impression in training. If he does, hopefully Arteta will recognise his potential and offer him minutes off the bench, especially since he’s already shown he can make an impact.
“Ethan can play as a left or right attacking midfielder, right-wing … and could develop into a nine” 👀
Mikel Arteta believes Ethan Nwaneri has the potential to become a striker in the next few years 💥 pic.twitter.com/YOUyzSPNUd
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 17, 2024
That said it is not the cameo appearance he might have to rely on, let’s not forget when Arteta mentioned that Nwaneri could even play as a #9. Perhaps Saka’s return might open up an opportunity for Nwaneri to showcase his versatility in that position.
What do you think Gooners?
Michelle M
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Could only see him as a false 9 – not sure that’s the best route for him/us over the course of a season. In certain situations it could be useful if he could do it, but I think he’s going to be best building up from deeper and taking shots and playing passes from the edge of the box.
If he keeps on playing and improving, I could see him taking odegaard’s spot on the team in a year or two, making a place for himself on the left of a three man midfield, or taking over a role if someone leaves. Ultimately I think he’ll eventually settle into a centre midfield/CAM role.
Yes, he could try the false nine role, because he seems to have a decent upper-body strength and low center of gravity. But we need to see his hold-up play first
Odegaard seems declining, so I also think Nwaneri will gradually replace him if Arteta still manages the team in the next five years
I think odegaard has been improving steadily since he signed and this is the first year he’s not looked as good. It has been an awkward season for several reasons, including a relatively major injury. I’ll wait to see how he looks next season, but I’ve never felt he’s even been a really dominant player. He reminds me a bit of ozil in that way – great when the team is great, but can be nullified when the team is off (which isn’t a good thing for a captain). He always works hard in both directions, though, which is a good thing for a captain
This kid is talented (best I’ve seen at that age in years )
Next season bang him over in the left side ,Saka right and hopefully a new centre forward , I thought Martinelli would become the next big thing but he’s gone completely side ways (most forwards do under Arteta)
Wouldn’t mind seeing an upgrade on Odegaard to complement that forward line
Dan Kit,
I wouldn’t be against Nwaneri starting in the Odegaard role to be honest. But unfortunately with Odegaard being club captain, he’s hardly going to be benched for Nwaneri to share the position with him.
A lot of people seem to think that Saka’s return means Nwaneri will lose his place. For me personally I hope that’s not the case. 👍😉
He can rotate with Saka and Odegaard. He could even play left 8 in some circumstances. It’s Merino or a bust really for the cf position. We need physicality in that position and for me even Calafiori is a better option than Ethan. Next season we need 3 new attackers. For me Jesus, Martinelli and Trossard can go in the summer.
Yeah. I think Odegaard deeper in the midfield to connect between our defense and the front line can be a good use of his talent in ball control, and he is physically well built. Nwaneri take the front attack midfield role. Ode and Nwaneri can seamlessly rotate in a game to confuse our opponents. Rice can settle back more in defense who can also carry the ball forward. A midfield with these three, maybe partey occasionally, will offer both creativity and defense.
A 1.76m tall centre forward😂
That’s taller than aguero, tevez, Julian Alvarez (all the recent Argentinian strikers it seems). You don’t need a tall CF if you have the right players.
Better off playing Saka as a striker. He’s much, much stronger on the ball and able to hold up play, as well as being a lethal finisher.
I love saka but he is not a lethal finisher
Nwaneri played as a false 9 with the England u21 and scored within 10 minutes.
Move Skelly to midfield. Play Timber as left back. Bring Ben White. Play Nwaneri as false 9. We win every game
No problem, Sergio Agüero is 1.73m. He’s one of the best forwards ever played in PL.
The boy has loads of skills and potential, plus he seems versatile. But for his age I would rather see him played consistently in one position, for him to develop into world class. I think it’s safe to say that the right wing position is his best for now.
He has just turned eighteen so I am not going to worry about having him on the bench for a while. I would be more concerned if he was playing every match.
I think he could be a centre forward and needs to be given the chance as his shooting is phenomenal and with such a talented youth anything is possible. It would not surprise me if he were switched there and instantly grabbed a hat trick. Although the probability is that he may need pre season to really work on the role.
Nwaneri.
Trossard. Odegaard. Saka.
Rice. Partey.
.
Skelly. Gabriel. Saliba. Timber.
Raya.
Dan Kit,
I wouldn’t be against Nwaneri starting in the Odegaard role to be honest. But unfortunately with Odegaard being club captain, he’s hardly going to be benched for Nwaneri to share the position with him.
A lot of people seem to think that Saka’s return means Nwaneri will lose his place. For me personally I hope that’s not the case. 👍😉
I dont think Nwaneri can play no.9. His best position is on the wings or in attacking midfield, let us not disturb that.
Let him play his favourite position which is right wing for steady improvement
Next Season, we will be in the League Cup, the FA cup, and the Champions League, as well as the Prem.
If we put out a reasonably strong teams in each of the lesser competitions, there should be ample opportunities for the Wan Man to get game time.
Also, he will be available as a substitute when others need a rest in the tougher League matches.
I would like Arteta to limit his playing time so he doesn’t burn out.
The Skelly looks more durable, plus we have Calafiori to share his duties (assuming Calafiori is fit).
If we buy a forward, in the summer, we will still have Havertz as an alternative up forward.!
I would like the Wan Man like to get playing on both wings next season, to make him more versatile.
My last comment:
I hope we get a skilful forward in the summer, not a bull in a china shop, like Liverpool’s or Juventus’ offerings!!