Given the standards that Mikel Arteta has set for his Arsenal side, to have impressed the Spaniard is a hugely positive step for any of his players.
When one considers that his recent comments were directed at a player that’s turned out less than half a dozen times for the Gunners, it makes his words even more special.
After a fantastic individual display against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, which was capped by a two-goal salvo, Ethan Nwaneri will be looking back on a job well done this morning.
Arteta “very impressed” by Ethan Nwaneri
The youngster, who is still only 17 years of age has seemingly always been destined for great things.
According to The Analyst, he is the youngest player ever to debut in the Premier League, after he came on in the 92nd minute for Arsenal in their match against Brentford on September 18, 2022.
Since then he’s been wrapped in cotton wool by the club, but it appears that 2024/25 could be set to be his breakout season.
“(It was)a really strong performance. He really feels part of us, you can tell that he’s playing with that confidence, that belief and that understanding of what he needs to do on the pitch. Very impressed,” Arteta was quoted as saying about Nwaneri after the Bolton game, per London World.
“He’s ahead of what anybody could expect. In his journey with the first team, he’s already ahead of what everyone expects, what I expected as well.
“He will have minutes.”
Whilst it’s clear that Arteta hasn’t promised how many minutes Nwaneri will be offered over the course of the season, it’s important that the club ensure his rise remains steady and well-planned.
Far too often the ‘next big thing’ has been allowed to burst onto the scene at various clubs, only to disappear as quickly.
Arsenal know that the 17-year-old is a special talent and they need to nurture him correctly to ensure he fulfils his promise.
Top photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images