Mikel Arteta must now take a chance on one Arsenal wonderkid who could emulate Spain starlet Lamine Yamal.
16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal truly announced himself on the global stage last night as he dazzled in Spain’s semi-final triumph over France at Euro 2024.
The teenager became the youngest goalscorer in European Championships history as he picked out the top corner from range in Munich. Arsenal defender William Saliba impressed the French media with his performance in the semi-final, but even he could do nothing to stop the Spanish prodigy.
Yamal is a generational talent. He is still a few days away from his 17th birthday, yet already has over 50 senior first team appearances for Barcelona under his belt, and the young winger has racked up 7 goals and 10 assists for the La Liga giants.
Like all managers in world football this morning, Mikel Arteta will surely be wishing that he had Yamal at his disposal. However, there is one particularly impressive player currently in the Gunners’ Hale End academy system who could make a step up next season.
Mikel Arteta must give Arsenal gem Ethan Nwaneri a chance to shine like Lamine Yamal
Arteta has already shown a willingness to take a chance on Ethan Nwaneri, who only turned 17 in March.
Back in September 2022, when he was just 15 years and 181 days old, the midfielder became the youngest player in both Arsenal and Premier League history, when he made a brief cameo from the bench against Brentford.
He had to wait until February this year for another taste of senior football. As the Gunners battered West Ham United, Arsenal players on the bench urged Arteta to bring Nwaneri on. The manager obliged, and the youngster was able to show flashes of quality.
A plan to integrate Nwaneri more fully into the first team at Arsenal already exists, but with Yamal proving that age really is just a number, there is perhaps an argument for fast-tracking the Hale End wonderkid.
What Nwaneri could bring to Arsenal next season
The Gunners lack convincing cover for club captain Martin Odegaard. Fabio Vieira has flattered to deceive since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium, whilst Emile Smith Rowe has struggled to cement himself in the manager’s plans.
Nwaneri could provide the back up for the Norwegian playmaker that Arteta needs. The teenager should be given regular minutes from the bench, allowing the former Real Madrid man to rest, whilst also giving Nwaneri a chance to prove that he is ready to shine at the highest level already.
Meanwhile, Nwaneri would certainly learn great deal by working so closely with Odegaard behind the scenes.
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