Ethan Nwaneri can be Arsenal’s answer to Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, according to someone who played with both

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Ethan Nwaneri is continuing his remarkable development into the Arsenal first-team, and he is now emerging as one of England’s finest young talents.

Nwaneri was the best player on the pitch as Arsenal beat Preston North End in the EFL Cup fourth round, and scored an outstanding long-range goal to help secure the victory.

The 17-year-old is one of the biggest talents the Hale End Academy has produced in a long time, with Nwaneri even breaking an all-time Arsenal record with his goal against Preston.

Nwaneri’s goal was set up by striker Gabriel Jesus, and the Brazilian has admitted that the teenager has the talent to match some of the best players in the country.

• READ MORE: Every Arsenal academy player to make their senior debuts under Mikel Arteta

Gabriel Jesus believes Ethan Nwaneri can emulate Phil Foden and Cole Palmer

Speaking via The Standard after Arsenal’s win at Preston, Jesus claimed that Nwaneri can emulate Phil Foden and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, and given that he played with both at Manchester City, this is very high praise indeed.

“I have been with some special youngsters, like Phil and with Cole [Palmer] as well and also [James] McAtee at City, he is very good,” Jesus stated.

“So to see Ethan in training and in games is good, because I am a fan of football.”

Jesus then expressed his desire to help Nwaneri continue his development under Mikel Arteta.

“When I see someone young with this quality, I am happy and then obviously I want him to grow, grow, grow and then if he needs something from me, personally, I am here to help him because I am 27. I am young, but I have been in this game for a few years,” he added.

What does Ethan Nwaneri need to do at Arsenal to reach the top?

Nwaneri is a special talent, but even Per Mertesacker has pointed out that talent has a ceiling if not nurtured properly.

When Foden first broke into the Man City team, many questioned why he was not playing more, and Jesus has now encouraged Nwaneri to learn from the England star.

“I saw people, I saw people like Phil Foden waiting for his chance and then now, look at Phil. He is one of the best players in the world,” Jesus added.

“So I really wish Ethan can keep his toes on the grass, work, and then it is a question of time for him to shine.”

Foden and Palmer are two of the best attacking midfielders in England, and Nwaneri will hope that within a few years, he is playing alongside them for the National Team as a key Arsenal player.