Football News Spotlight: Ethan Nwaneri Poised for Breakthrough in Premier League
Ethan Nwaneri, the Premier League’s youngest-ever player, could finally be about to make his mark on the division. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder, who plays for Arsenal, is fighting for minutes in the advanced midfield roles, and has shown in pre-season that he can be an asset for the Gunners this season, albeit likely off the bench.
Nwaneri’s appearance off the bench at Brentford in 2022, aged 15 years 181 days as a schoolboy, means he is part of the Premier League’s history, but the young talent will hope that’s not the extent of his legacy. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has faced criticism for the limited opportunities he’s afforded to academy players since the Gunners have become title contenders, but Nwaneri seems most likely to buck that trend.
Competing for Minutes
Myles Lewis-Skelly, part of the same cohort as Nwaneri, was a tough omission from this list. The 17-year-old is comfortable playing anywhere in midfield and has shone over the summer. Nwaneri, however, is fighting with Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice for minutes in those advanced midfield roles.
Arteta has praised Nwaneri’s unique ability to escape from seemingly impossibly tight spaces, comparing him to Jack Wilshere, who was his coach in the Arsenal academy. Arsenal managed to fight off reported competition from Chelsea and Manchester City to keep Nwaneri at the Emirates Stadium, but Arteta will be under pressure to give the 17-year-old minutes this season or risk losing another Hale End product.
“If Nwaneri can deliver on his promise, Arsenal could have another star boy on their hands, ready to make an impact in the Premier League and beyond, with the UEFA Euro 2024, Champions League, and FIFA World Cup on the horizon.”
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