Mikel Arteta has a clear plan laid out for Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri heading into the new campaign.
Ethan Nwaneri started for Arsenal in their recent friendly clash against Bournemouth.
Mikel Areta included a mix of experience and youth in his starting XI for this clash in Los Angeles, and things got off to a good start for the Gunners, as Fabio Vieira put them ahead early on.
The Cherries got a second half equaliser, and the game ended 1-1, and was settled by a pre-arranged penalty shootout, which the North London club were able to win.
Nwaneri played 83 minutes of the match, and looked comfortable in the middle of the park. Certainly, the 17-year-old was able to catch the eye of a number of Arsenal fans with his display.
Arsenal fans laud Ethan Nwaneri display v Bournemouth
Another supporter said: “nwaneri might be our yamal, he better be on the bench come matchday one.”
Nwaneri could follow in the footsteps of Lamine Yamal, in that he has the talent to establish himself at the highest level at such a tender age, and plays with a maturity far beyond his years.
The 17-year-old midfielder is already the youngest player in both the Premier League and the North London club’s history, and already has two senior first team appearances in competitive matches under his belt.
The teenager now looks set to significantly add to that tally in the upcoming campaign.
Arsenal plan to make Ethan Nwaneri a key player
According to The Athletic, Nwaneri: “Is another who could lay claim to an attacking midfield role. His silky touch and vision impressed fans in attendance. Arsenal expect the talented Nwaneri to play a role in the first-team squad during the coming season.”
Arsenal players have urged Arteta to use Nwaneri in the past, and the youngster is clearly now in line to enjoy more game time.
He certainly looks ready to make the step up, and now looks to be on the verge of what could be a hugely important, breakthrough season in his career.
He is also now likely to be heavily involved throughout the rest of the Gunners’ pre-season matches. Arteta will be keeping a close eye on Nwaneri in these games, observing how he handles the physicality of the matches.
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