Ethan Nwaneri names the two players who have helped him so much since Arsenal first-team promotion

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Arsenal academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri was the topic of conversation in the EFL Cup once more.

Mikel Arteta has used the EFL Cup to hand opportunities to some of the rising stars inside Arsenal’s academy. 

Nwaneri scored his first senior goals against Bolton Wanderers in the third round before making his presence known in the fourth.

The quarter-final clash against Crystal Palace was different for Nwaneri, who was hooked at half-time to see Arteta’s first-team regulars take control.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Ethan Nwaneri including age, height and Arsenal record

Ethan Nwaneri applauds Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard influence

Already this season, Nwaneri has scored four senior goals for Arsenal, scoring three in the EFL Cup and once in the Premier League.

It’s abundantly clear that the teenager is capable of playing a significant role in the first team going forward, making his omission against Palace rather disappointing.

Alan Smith urged Arteta to stop being so cautious with Nwaneri, stressing that the 17-year-old is ready to influence at the highest level. 

That being said, the fact remains that the midfielder is still incredibly early in his footballing journey, making the support of those around him all the more important.

Featured in Arsenal’s matchday programme ahead of the Palace EFL Cup meeting, Nwaneri opened up about two first-team regulars who have helped him, and many others, feel settled in Arteta’s squad. 

“Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka have both been great for me and not just me but all the young players,” Nwaneri shared.

“They help us with everything, and somebody like Bukayo has had that journey already. That’s really important.”

When seeing the youngster’s talent in action, it’s easy to forget how young he is, born in 2007, having never seen Highbury.

Crystal Palace disappointment shouldn’t impact Nwaneri 

While it was a shame to see Nwaneri come off early against Palace, the rare uneventful night in the EFL Cup for the youngster shouldn’t dishearten him.

Already, the Hale End graduate has displayed that he can do it at the top level, as seen through his impact against Nottingham Forest.

When comparing those numbers to his statistics against Palace, it’s clear that Nwaneri can perform at Premier League level and that the Eagles took great care when marking the Englishman.

This is only the beginning for Nwaneri, who is fortunate to be learning every day from those who have walked his walk in the first team.