If there is one thing that Ethan Nwaneri has shown in his little time in the Arsenal senior side so far, it’s versatility.
Since making his way into Mikel Arteta’s thinking, the 18-year-old has been touted for several different positions for the future.
This season, Ethan Nwaneri has largely played on the right wing for Arsenal, looking to cut inside and cause problems with his trusty left foot.
However, even with those performances, Nwaneri has hinted that his future is as a number ten, while there have been suggestions that he could even be a striker in the years ahead.
One position that hasn’t been mentioned is the left flank, with the star showing why he may have a place there soon.
Lee Carsley uses Ethan Nwaneri in a new left-wing role for England under-21s
Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri is away with the England under-21s for the European Championships this summer.
With the Young Lions, there are hopes of winning the competition once again, having done so in 2023.
For Nwaneri, it’s an opportunity to show exactly what he is made of at this level, with a view to the senior squad in the future.
Joe Cole has backed Nwaneri to be in the England World Cup squad next year, such is his talent.
In the meantime, his displays for the under-21s will be key, and there was a chance to play in a new role on the left flank against Slovenia.
While the youngster is used to cutting in and shooting with his left foot, there was an expectation that he would hold more width instead.
- GET TO KNOW ETHAN NWANERI: Everything you need to know about Ethan Nwaneri including age, height and Arsenal record
Nwaneri will be kicking himself that he didn’t have a goal to show for his efforts, too, narrowly missing a chance to score from just a few yards out by missing the ball entirely.
In the end, the youngster did shift back to the right, but Lee Carsley explained his decision to the media after the game.
“Just the balance of receiving the ball in the pocket and giving us width,” he explained.
“I thought he did that really well. We all know he can play really effectively on the right-hand side, and it’s just another string to his bow if he can play two or three different positions.
“If you look at the pitch, it probably doesn’t suit dribblers because it was a little bit long and dry. But I thought he was a threat. I love watching him play.
“Players like that really get you excited when they get the ball because you feel something is going to happen. It just would have been nice if he took that chance for his work rate and the positions he gets in, to finish it off would have been great for him.”
Ethan Nwaneri could solve another position problem for Arsenal
Arsenal have struggled with goal scoring over the past season, which will cause Andrea Berta to enter the market.
The sporting director is looking at a striker, along with some wide options, who can add more scoring threat to the team.
It’s expected that some additions in the forward areas will include a left-winger, while talks of a backup to Bukayo Saka on the right is also discussed.
With Nwaneri showing he can cover a few of those positions, there is far less of a rush to land anyone in those areas.
Instead, Arsenal could end up saving money thanks to the youngster, who is now looking to take that next step.
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