Mikel Arteta’s management of Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri has been questioned early into the season.
At just 17 years old, Nwaneri is looking like the next big thing coming out of Hale End, following in Bukayo Saka’s footsteps.
Gone are the days that the Englishman was involved in the academy settling, flying the nest this campaign to play a key role in Arsenal’s first team.
Since the start of the season, the teenager has made eight senior appearances for the Gunners, scoring three goals to make it abundantly clear that he’s ready.
Ethan Nwaneri on target for England U19
Like those around him in the first team, Nwaneri has put domestic action to the side for the next week to embark on international duty.
The attacking midfielder is a valued member of the England U19 squad and was in action for the Three Lions’ duel against Lithuania U19.
After just seven minutes played, Nwaneri opened the scoring in England U19s European Championship Qualifying fixture, heading his side in front to give the Young Lions an early advantage.
For those back in North London, the Hale End graduate’s form on the international stage won’t come as a surprise, making it even clearer how costly Arteta’s recent decisions might have been to Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta had to utilise Nwaneri better
What must be noted is that Nwaneri played behind the striker in a 4-4-2 set-up for England U19 without the ball, occupying the space as a right-sided number eight when in possession.
Fans won’t be shocked to see the teenager playing the exact role that Martin Odegaard does at Arsenal, which makes Arteta’s decision to snub Nwaneri as the Norweigan’s cover even more frustrating.
Odegaard was sidelined for six weeks with an ankle injury, seeing the manager play Leandro Trossard in the captain’s absence.
Such decision enraged fans as Trossard is out of form, with many calling for Nwaneri to get a chance in the starting XI.
Just moments into England U19’s latest quest, the 17-year-old reminded Arteta of what he could have offered Arsenal going forward over the past few weeks, being a player ready-made to replace Odegaard.
The signs were all there for the manager to utilise Nwaneri at the time but he didn’t and damningly, Arsenal have collected two points from a possible 12 in their previous four in the Premier League.
Arteta clearly wants to ease the youngster into first-team action although, when a player is ready, he’s ready and in Nwaneri’s instance, that’s certainly the case.
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