Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri returned from his injury against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.
The Gunners picked up a convincing win against the Croatian giants at the Emirates. Goals from Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard sealed a comfortable 3-0 victory.
On the right wing, Raheem Sterling started and had a very poor game. He was replaced in the second half by young Nwaneri, who impressed everyone.
There was one moment after he came on when the teenager cut inside and crossed the ball into the box.
Nothing came of that cross, but his delivery reminded every Arsenal fan on social media of a player who didn’t play against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday night – Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal fans compare Ethan Nwaneri to Bukayo Saka
Saka is Arsenal’s undisputed first-choice on the right wing when he is fit, but the Englishman’s unavailability due to injury has opened the door for other players.
All the right-footers at Arsenal – Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Sterling – haven’t been great in that role, but Nwaneri has been almost flawless.
Arsenal fans are all comparing the youngster to Saka after seeing his cameo off the bench against Dinamo.
One Arsenal fan tweeted: “It felt like I was seeing Saka. I miss that boy so much, but Nwaneri can be huge for us in attack and even covering for the defence. Incredible talent!”
Another wrote: “Nwaneri plays like Saka. With time he could be more lethal.”
“Utterly elite by Nwaneri, Saka-esque cross,” said another.
Another Gooner posted: “That right half-space cross from Nwaneri is shades of Saka.”
“Nwaneri has the Saka cross in his locker. We might be back,” tweeted another.
The easy Ethan Nwaneri decision Mikel Arteta has to make
Nwaneri’s return is a massive boost for Arsenal.
The 17-year-old is one of the best players of his age in the world. He is sensational with the ball at his feet, can dribble past any defender and has the quality to create and score goals.
After watching Sterling for an hour on the right wing, it became very clear that the Chelsea loanee shouldn’t start in that role anymore.
The only player who should play there until Saka returns is Nwaneri, and we hope Arteta will give him the chances he deserves on the right flank in the coming weeks.
Arsenal take on Wolves in the Premier League next, and we think Nwaneri should start on the right wing.
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