There are huge expectations and hopes around Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri.
The 17-year-old has been able to make a big impression in North London this season. Ethan Nwaneri has established himself in Mikel Arteta’s first team squad, and is clearly ready to compete for game time at the very highest level.
The Hale End academy graduate has been a regular off the bench in recent weeks, and opened his Premier League account against Nottingham Forest recently. Nwaneri became Arsenal’s youngest scorer in the competition since Cesc Fabregas.
However, Mikel Arteta has made it clear he is still keen to protect Nwaneri, and the responsibility of guiding and supporting the youngster does not rest solely with the manager. As club captain, Martin Odegaard has stepped up to play his part in the teenager’s development and transition into becoming a star at senior level.
Martin Odegaard gives advice to Ethan Nwaneri
Odegaard takes his leadership responsibilities seriously, and clearly sees helping the next generation to break through as being within his remit.
The Norwegian playmaker was recently asked by Sky Sports to define the part he plays in the process.
The 25-year-old, who earned his first senior international cap whilst only 15-years-old himself, said: “I always try to help them when they come up here and they’re part of our team. I’ve been in the same position myself, so I know it can be hard sometimes. I think everyone is different, so you have to do it in your own way.”
Odegaard then went on to relay the advice he has shared with Nwaneri, highlighting four key points: “I think the main thing is just to stay focused, keep working hard, try to stay humble, and just do the right things every day.”
Will Nwaneri replace Odegaard at Arsenal?
Odegaard has mentored Nwaneri at Arsenal, and knows the England under-19 international well. This closeness between them will help the skipper to offer the youngster support as and when it is required.
The pair also share similarities in their style of play, and like to operate in similar areas on the pitch.
Given Nwaneri’s extraordinary talent, Arteta will eventually need to figure out how to fit both players into his regular Arsenal starting XI. For now, though, Nwaneri will benefit from serving as Odegaard’s understudy.
The hope within the club will be that Nwaneri can ultimately rise up to become the heir to Odegaard’s role as creator-in-chief on the pitch.
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