MIKEL ARTETA has had his eye on Ethan Nwaneri since he was 12-years-old.
Within the first week of his appointment as Arsenal boss in December 2019, Arteta spoke with U16 coach Dan Micciche about an immense talent playing with kids four years his senior and asked him: “I hear you’ve got a player for me…”
A video compilation was compiled to prove that the early comparisons to Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere were not as wild as they initially sounded.
Fast forward to the present day and 17-year-old Nwaneri is on the cusp of a full Prem debut after scoring twice on his first senior start against Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round.
And given the Gunners’ current injury issues in midfield, Arteta should hold him back no longer ahead of their clash with Leicester at the Emirates on Saturday. The time is now.
As Arteta himself admitted after the 5-1 thumping of the Trotters, “the boy is ready” before adding: “He’s ahead of what anybody could expect”.
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However, Arsenal’s Hale End academy have known about Nwaneri’s potential since his arrival as a nine-year-old – where he was introduced to several senior stars on his first day.
His progress since has been nothing short of meteoric, playing with the U18s at the age of 14 and the U21s at the age of 15 before his history-making Prem debut in September 2022.
There was interest from Chelsea and Manchester City before he signed his first pro deal back in March after his 17th birthday – but leaving Arsenal has never been a consideration.
After scoring his first two goals for the club on Wednesday night, the England U19s starlet said: “It’s a great feeling when the club you love and have grown up with and the fans are chanting your name.
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“It’s a good feeling. It’s a surreal feeling. It’s a feeling I’ve wanted to feel for almost 16 years of my life so to actually feel it, it’s crazy. I just want more of it.”
Nwaneri was one of NINE academy players in the squad against Bolton, with 16-year-old keeper Jack Porter, defenders Maldini Kacurri, 18, and Josh Nichols, 18, and winger Ismeal Kabia, 18, also making their debuts.
Nwaneri added: “All of those players that I’ve played with since I’ve been like nine and now we’re on the big pitch together, it’s a crazy feeling.”
But Nwaneri is the shining light and the quiet leader among them, despite his shy and down-to-earth nature.
Before kick-off against Bolton, Nwaneri led his academy pals out on to the pitch to soak up the atmosphere, shaking hands with managing director Richard Garlick.
Nwaneri does his talking on the pitch, showing an eye for goal in the 37th and 49th minute and looking immensely comfortable on the ball, constantly dodging tackles with power and poise.
Not that it has affected his school work.
Much like another academy grad Myles Lewis-Skelly, the pair would often finish training, put on their uniforms and race to school to hand in homework.
Nwaneri has had many a role model, coached by club legend Wilshere in the U18s and called “very, very special” by former midfielder Granit Xhaka while the Swiss international picked up his coaching badges with the U16s at London Colney.
Even current skipper Martin Odegaard has gone out of his way to guide and nurture a player who could one day replace him as Arsenal’s talisman and fan favourite.
With Odegaard and Mikel Merino missing through injury and Jorginho and Thomas Partey in need of a rest, these upcoming home league outings against the Foxes and Southampton could not have come at a better time for Nwaneri’s official unveiling as a first team regular.
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He has already featured once this Prem term, off the bench late on to help see out a 1-0 victory away at rivals Tottenham, adding to previous sub appearances at the Bees and West Ham.
Nwaneri said: “It’s been intense, but it’s definitely helped me as a player. I’ve added that to my game.”
Arsenal player ratings vs Bolton
ETHAN NWANERI will remember this night for the rest of his life after scoring twice on his full Arsenal debut.
The Gunners eased to a 5-1 victory over Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round.
See how their players, young and old, rated at the Emirates.
Jack Porter – 6
He may be 16 years old but he did not show it tonight. Had one scare when his pass was blocked by Aaron Collins and the ball flew over but other than that he did not put a foot wrong.
Josh Nichols – 6
Encouraging signs from the right-back although he was not really tested in a defensive capacity.
Jakub Kiwior – 6
Dealt with Bolton’s many crosses into the box but was far too high up the pitch, along with Calafiori, which allowed the visitors to break and score.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
A Rolls-Royce defender who carries himself a bit like David Luiz, minus the erratic decision-making. Defended well and went close with a long shot.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7
Looked very comfortable in possession and saw plenty of the ball. Excellent composure for a young head and linked with Sterling well.
Jorginho – 6
Kept things ticking over but in truth it was quite an easy night for the Italian.
Declan Rice – 7
Took his goal very well and everything Arsenal did went through him.
Ethan Nwaneri – 9
A night to remember for the 17-year-old as he capped his first start for the club with his first goals. Showed great poaching instincts.
Bukayo Saka – 9
Typical Saka performance and he was a constant threat with his delivery, whether in open play or from corners.
Raheem Sterling – 9
A threat throughout and he is back playing with a smile on his face, which is great to see. Worked hard and got his deserved goal when he poked in from two yards out.
Gabriel Jesus – 5
Plenty of energy and panache up front but without the finishing to match – a familiar tale of his Arsenal career.
See how the Arsenal subs rated here
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
