Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri has been impressing over the international break for England U21.
It’s been a testing start to the 2025/26 season for Nwaneri, whose game time has been limited due to increased competition in the Arsenal squad.
Fortunately, the 18-year-old has been given the chance to shine over the October international break, starring for England U21.
Arsenal fans demanded more game time for Nwaneri after watching him in action against Moldova U21 and echoed the message after the Young Lions’ win over Andorra U21.
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Arsenal fans react to Ethan Nwaneri’s performance for England U21 against Andorra U21
Nwaneri’s lack of game time at Arsenal is concerning fans, with supporters making it clear that it’s time for change.
Reacting to England U21’s 1-0 win over Andorra U21, Arsenal fans took to X to express the need for the playmaker to take Martin Odegaard’s spot.
“Odegaard out for a few weeks. We shouldn’t be forcing Merino to play AM. Play the kid!”
Another fan said, “Now that Ode is out big role for him.”
Odegaard will be out until mid-November with an MCL injury, which is a huge blow for the Arsenal captain, but opens the door for Nwaneri to earn more minutes.
After seeing some highlights of Nwaneri’s performance against Andorra, one supporter admitted they love how close the teenager already is to Odegaard’s level.
“He feels “stronger” than Odegaard in the final third and areas around it. But their decision making and behavior in those areas are pretty much similar. Need multiple touches or combinations to do something. Still, I love that he’s already towing Ode’s top level at such age.”
Looking towards the next game, a fellow Arsenal fan said, “Hope he starts against Fulham.”
The narrative is that Nwaneri is simply too good to be sitting on Arsenal’s bench and not playing regularly.
“Yea he’s ready for the big leagues now,” an Arsenal supporter said.
Another echoed the belief, “Naah he’s above this level now.”
Playing for England U21 is an achievement, but Arsenal fans think Nwaneri is ready for bigger things, with some comparing the teen’s playing style to one of the greatest ever.
“This is the closest player to Messi right now,” a fan said in reaction to watching Nwaneri against Andorra.
The claim didn’t seem as wild when another supporter shared the same opinion.
“Nwaneri is the real next Messi NGL. He has the build, physique, and talent. Just look at how he’s easily going in the midst of 3 players.”
Nwaneri’s stats against Andorra U21
Nwaneri made a lasting impression on Arsenal fans with his performance for England U21.
When glancing at the playmaker’s statistics from the contest, it’s clear to see why he’s generating so much attention right now.
| Ethan Nwaneri vs Andorra U21 |
| 79 minutes played |
| 77 touches |
| 92% pass success |
| 1 key pass |
| 7 attempted crossed |
| 3 successful dribbles |
| 3 shots |
| 5 ground duels won |
Lee Carsley played Nwaneri on the right wing rather than in his favoured central role, which didn’t faze the forward, who was heavily involved in the game.
The 18-year-old frequently hooked the ball inside to prevent staying close to the touchline as a traditional winger would.
Nwaneri can offer Arsenal so much when given the chance, with all eyes on what Mikel Arteta does next for the starlet.
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