Ethan Nwaneri’s exceptional performances for Arsenal continue to earn plaudits from the footballing world.
Arsenal beat Leicester 2-0 on the weekend, and Nwaneri was the star of the show, creating the opening goal for Mikel Merino and hitting the woodwork twice with thunderous efforts.
The teenager was the Gunners’ best player throughout the encounter with the Foxes, and has surely established himself as Mikel Arteta’s default right-wing option in Bukayo Saka’s absence.
Joe Cole compared Nwaneri to Lionel Messi after the game, while Mikel Arteta waxed lyrical about the 17-year-old in his post-match press conference, with these two paving the way for Arsene Wenger to have his say on the wonderkid.
Arsene Wenger compares Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri to Cesc Fabregas
Stepping up with Saka out injured, Nwaneri has made the right-wing position his own with some impressive displays in the position.
Gary Lineker believes Nwaneri can play as a striker once Arsenal’s talisman is back, although for now he’ll likely start every game on the right.
Former Gunners boss Wenger has chimed in on the youngster’s exploits, admitting that he shares similarities to ex-Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.
“Nwaneri is more of a creator of a final ball through his dribbling and the quality of his passing,” Wenger said.
“Of course [he’s mentally similar to Fabregas], Fabregas was very strong mentally, but this boy looks it as well.”
The legendary manager also expressed how surprised he is at Nwaneri’s maturity.
“When I look at him and his maturity, it’s difficult for me to think he’s 17-years-old. The sign of a special talent is that they’re ready early.”
With Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz all out injured and not close to returning, the pressure is already on Nwaneri to deliver for Arsenal in the final third, but he looks more than capable of taking on this responsibility.
Ethan Nwaneri’s statistics against Leicester were outstanding
While Merino stole the headlines with his brace, Nwaneri was clearly the man of the match at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
Completing a staggering six dribbles, out of the seven he attempted, the Hale End graduates’ elusive movement with the ball was essential to Arsenal unlocking Leicester’s resolute low block throughout the game.
| Nwaneri’s vs Leicester Statistics | |
| Minutes Played | 90 |
| Shots | 4 |
| Expected Goals | 0.21 |
| Accurate Passes | 28/32 (88%) |
| Touches in Opposition Box | 7 |
| Expected Assists | 0.56 |
| Key Passes | 2 |
| Successful Dribbles | 6/7 (86%) |
Taking four shots and creating two chances, Nwaneri contributed to six of Arsenal’s eleven total shots, or 54% of the team’s total efforts on goal.
If he can continue to deliver output like this, the sky is truly the limit for this wonderful young footballer.
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