Mikel Arteta is already reaping the benefits of placing trust in Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri this season.
The manager spotted something in Nwaneri long before this term, handing the midfielder his Premier League debut at just 15 years old.
A lot has happened since the teenager’s debut, with this campaign suggesting that a senior breakthrough is imminent for the now 17-year-old.
Nwaneri scored two goals on his full senior debut for Arsenal in the EFL Cup against Bolton Wanderers, with plenty spotted from the youngster based on his start to the 2024/25 calendar.
Nigel Rio Coker spots encouraging trait in Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri
It’s been a hugely exciting start to the season for Nwaneri, who was plucked from the academy setting to be a firm part of Arteta’s first-team plans for the campaign ahead.
So far, the 17-year-old has been named in the match-day squad for every Premier League fixture, producing impressive cameos against both Spurs and Leicester City.
Most recently, Nwaneri was called into action at the Emirates when Arsenal were in desperate need of a goal against the Foxes, being trusted to make an impact when the stakes were high.
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The attacking midfielder did just that, as many saw in N5, with Theo Walcott branding Nwaneri ‘fearless’ in reaction to his cameo.
Walcott’s opinion was shared by fellow former Premier League ace Nigel Rio Coker, who spotted one thing about the Hale End talent’s game that could take him to the top.
“That young man there is going to be a real big talent for Arsenal,” Rio Coker said on the Football Daily podcast.
“The thing about it that you’ve got to understand is that you come on at that age, he’s always wanting the ball.
“He never hides, never afraid, he always wants to get on the ball. He’s acting already like a very senior and experienced player, no fear shown whatsoever, really really is a bright talent, he’s got a bright future.”
Mikel Arteta must hand Nwaneri another start
It’s been a while since a top talent emerged from Hale End, with Nwaneri certainly in line to be the next big thing to come out of Arsenal’s academy.
The 17-year-old hasn’t looked out of place once when featuring alongside the first team, emphasising Rio Coker’s opinion on his confidence being able to take him to the top.
Arteta is nurturing the youngster impressively so far, with a long season and plenty of opportunities ahead for the starlet to continue to make his mark at his boyhood club.
After seeing what Nwaneri can offer when starting for Arsenal, Arteta is surely aware that the teen is more than ready to have a shot in the favoured XI in the coming weeks, with fixtures piling up in a range of competitions.
Game time is a must for the attacking midfielder, with his recent cameos sending a firm message to the boss that he’s capable of claiming a starting spot.
It’s an incredibly exciting time for both Arsenal and Nwaneri, who could find himself playing a significant role in the Gunners’ bid to claim silverware this campaign.
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