Ethan Nwaneri started his first-ever game for Arsenal in the Champions League against Girona.
The 17-year-old made his senior Gunners debut two seasons ago, but this is his breakthrough campaign. He has played regularly across different competitions and has impressed everyone.
Nwaneri scored a stunner to put Arsenal 2-1 up in the first-half against Girona on Wednesday night. It was a fantastic goal, one that reminded many people of Bukayo Saka.
The teenager won the Player of the Match award for his performance, and we must say, nobody deserved it more than him.
What Spanish media are saying about Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri
Nwaneri became Arsenal’s third-youngest scorer in the Champions League following his brilliant strike against Girona.
The teenager started on the right wing on Wednesday night, and he was excellent. He didn’t look fazed even though it was his first-ever Champions League start and made things look easy.
The biggest moment of the game came in the 42nd minute, when the Hale End star cut inside on his left foot and fired a tremendous strike past Pau Lopez in goal.
That proved to be the winner, and Nwaneri has been earning a lot of praise since.
Diari de Girona branded the 17-year-old’s strike as a ‘great goal’, while Mundo Deportivo named him as Arsenal’s best player in both halves.
The latter also wrote: “Nwaneri is shining in this match. The young Gunner talent is leading Arsenal and generating practically all the actions.”
AS said: “Nwaneri, an English player who is only 17 years old, was omnipresent.”
In the 77th minute, Marca wrote in their live blog: “Nwaneri is being a headache for the defence of Girona.”
When Arteta took the teenager off, they added: “Nwaneri leaves the field, who has been one of the best, perhaps the best.”
The biggest test of Nwaneri’s career is next
Nwaneri has impressed almost every time he has played for Arsenal this season.
The teenager has all the qualities to become the next big superstar of English football, and he could take a huge step in the right direction on Sunday.
Arsenal take on Manchester City in the Premier League next, and Nwaneri is almost guaranteed to start on the right flank because Saka is still injured.
It will be a huge test for the youngster, but if Nwaneri can deliver against Pep Guardiola’s side on Sunday, his stock will shoot up, more so than it already has.
We can’t wait to see the 17-year-old in action against the champions.
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