Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was a very talented player himself back in the day.
The Spaniard left Barcelona and joined French giants Paris Saint-Germain when he was just 17 years old. That’s a very difficult step for any youngster, but it shaped Arteta’s career.
The former midfielder played for Rangers, Everton and then Arsenal before hanging up his boots. He was a very underrated player at all of those clubs, but his value to the teams was always tremendous – both on and off the pitch.
Arsenal have several top-quality players now. There are a few teenagers who are incredible as well. Arteta has had his say on one of them.
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri is better than he was at the same age
Ethan Nwaneri has been the talk of the town over the last few days.
The 17-year-old got his second start in Arsenal’s colours against Preston North End in the EFL Cup and he was absolutely incredible.
The Hale End graduate scored a stunner, taking his EFL Cup goal tally to three in two games – even Thierry Henry’s record is not as good as Nwaneri’s in this competition.
Arteta knows what it’s like to be a 17-year-old playing for one of the biggest clubs in Europe. He was asked about Nwaneri, and the Spaniard sang his praises.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the game against Newcastle United, Arteta said about Nwaneri: “It is rare to see a talent like this at 17 years old, that’s true.
“But when we gave him his debut in the Premier League, there was a lot of talk about it but we didn’t do it because he was a gift, we did it because we knew the pathway that we wanted to build with him and we wanted to send him a really strong sign about how much we trust him and how much we wanted him to stay with us.
“We are delighted to have him.”
Speaking about his talent at the same age compared to Nwaneri’s, Arteta admitted: “[I was] not at that level.”
READ MORE: Ethan Nwaneri now deserves special Arsenal gift that was last given to Emile Smith Rowe
Arteta needs to make one bold Nwaneri decision
Arsenal fans have all been blown away by Nwaneri, his talent and his ability.
The teenager has been playing well beyond his years whenever he has got an opportunity, and he looks more than ready for more at the highest level.
Arsenal fans are a bit annoyed that Arteta is not starting Nwaneri in the Premier League and Champions League, especially with Martin Odegaard out injured.
We’re sure the Arsenal manager has his reasons not to throw the youngster into the deep end so early in his career, but we feel Nwaneri is ready to get his first-ever start in the Premier League.
Arsenal take on Newcastle United on Saturday, and with Odegaard still unavailable, we think Nwaneri should be given the nod.
Yes, St James’ Park is not an easy place to make your full debut, but if he starts and has a good game, it will take his confidence to a whole new level. That will benefit Arsenal massively.
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