Ethan Nwaneri started for Arsenal against AC Milan in Singapore.
Mikel Arteta named an interesting starting lineup against the Italians. Martin Odegaard started on the bench, and Bukayo Saka, who could be the new Arsenal vice-captain, led the team out.
In Odegaard’s role, young Nwaneri was handed a start in his preferred number 10 position, and the Hale End graduate impressed everybody.
In the first half, Nwaneri pulled off an exquisite bit of skill to get past a defender, and he nearly scored a stunner from outside the box a few moments later.
Arsenal fans are blown away by how good Nwaneri looked against Milan, and many feel this is bad news for another Gunners star.
Arsenal fans all make the same point about Martin Odegaard after Ethan Nwaneri’s performance vs AC Milan
Odegaard is likely to start Arsenal’s opening game of the season against Manchester United, but the Norwegian will have to be careful.
If he doesn’t play at his best level, Nwaneri could easily displace him in the side, even though he is significantly younger than him.
Many Arsenal fans feel Nwaneri could take over Odegaard’s role in the side after watching him against Milan.
One Arsenal fan said: “Martin Odegaard has proper competition here. Ethan Nwaneri has truly arrived.”
Another tweeted: “Nwaneri is displacing Odegaard very soon.”
“Odegaard has no option but to be good this season because my word Nwaneri is ready for that position,” wrote another.
Another Gooner tweeted: “Ethan Nwaneri is so cold. Brother is about to replace Odegaard if Eze doesn’t.”
What Ethan Nwaneri did differently during Arsenal vs AC Milan
Odegaard, on his day, is one of the best players in the Premier League.
The Norway international has played a key part for Arsenal on plenty of occasions over the years, and he is more than capable of delivering in the upcoming season as well.
However, what was refreshing to see was Nwaneri not predominantly occupying the right side of the pitch like Odegaard usually does. The youngster played a lot more centrally, and he was very effective.
As good as that is, Saka was left all alone on the right flank without Odegaard, and that made it difficult for him whenever Ben White did not overlap.
We hope Nwaneri gets a lot more game time this season, but Odegaard is still very important for Arsenal and will be on the pitch more often than not.
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