Eddie Nketiah enjoyed a hugely impressive season at club level as he edged ever closer to fulfilling his ambition of succeeding at Arsenal and the extremely talented forward is also continuing to make strides on the international stage.
Having represented England at various age groups, Nketiah, who only turned 19 this week, was included in the Three Lions’ squad for the Toulon Tournament.
After being an unused substitute for England’s first group game against China, Nketiah was given his U21 debut in the subsequent fixture against Mexico and, despite the game ending in a goalless draw, he didn’t disappoint.
Nketiah’s clinical nature in front of goal is well documented, but the prospect also deserves much recognition for his hold-up play, which is of a remarkably high standard.
Furthermore, Nketiah is extremely fast, as the struggling Mexico defence found out, leading to players, at various intervals, fouling the Arsenal youngster having simply been unable to cope with his threat.
Nketiah was deployed on the left wing against Mexico, a position which he is very familiar with, and he will be looking to receive further game as he aims to help England win this prestigious tournament.
Despite his involvement in this competition, Nketiah will still be able to have a full pre-season at Arsenal and it will be intriguing to see what the plan is for him under the new regime.
Towards the end of last season Nketiah was perhaps the youngster who was closest to the first-team squad and now he will be seeking to gain further experience of senior football in some capacity, whether at Arsenal or out on loan.
One thing that is for certain is that Nketiah is certainly too good for U23 football now and has been for some time. That much was evident as he helped Arsenal’s youngsters to clinch the Premier League 2 title with a victory away to West Ham last month.
When he featured for the first-team towards the end of last campaign, Nketiah was often brought on in the closing stages of matches and it proved rather difficult for him to make a major impact in such little time.
Nketiah will aim to make further, and hopefully more sustained, first-team appearances next campaign but if he goes on loan then he is certainly capable of thriving if sent to a team that suits his playing style.
Whatever transpires, it looks set to be another interesting season for one of Arsenal’s standout prospects.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
I am really looking forward to nketiah working emery who is known to be tactically good and to improve players. even mbappe said emery improved him . and this guy has so much potential he could become a star for arsenal , the same with maitland niles . Increadibly excited to see hpw they will progress in next few seasons
The King! Looking forward to what Unai Emery can do with the youngsters. As much as it sucks that we’re in Europa league, it’s was so positive that it gave youngsters a chance last season, and hopefully they can kick on this season having already had some experience. Up the arsenal!!
Also Josh dasilva played well too
Extremely talented forward?
We all love us some Eddie but come on, prospect would be appropriate.
Prospects can’t be “incredibly talented”?
WE LOVE EDDIE!
What do you mean prospect. He’s scaring CR7 and Messi outta their minds
Yeah no need to get overboard with all the praises…he is a good attacker who can definitely improve tremendously under the right coach…”extremely talented” is an over hype
After the recent experiences of most of our loanees, I’d be utterly terrified of sending him on loan.
At best, let’s try and integrate him into the first team, he’s obviously beyond U23 levels now. At worst, loan him to Germany, Belgium or Holland, but not to the PL or any other British club (or Spanish).
Like if you think nketiah gonna be a great player.
Infiltrated by butt-hurt Chelsea fans. Or people really don’t like “like if you…” posts!
Like if you really don’t like like ‘like if you’ posts.
Yeah ‘extremely’ talented seems like quite the claim. That’s Messi and Fabregas, an extremely talented 19 year old would be starting a lot more games.
That said, I hope he succeeds!
As much as Nketiah is fantastic promise, Iwobi is the one to watch. Typical Arsenal fans always harp on about some young player (like say Holding) imagining him to be better than he is. Granted these young players have tremendous potential but the fans need to get their heads out of their arse. Iwobi has superb qualities that were not fully exploited IMO by Wenger. He plays better from deeper in midfield with his ability to hold the ball and the use of his strength to protect it. Decision making and passing has been hit and miss but over time… Read more »
Here’s a shocker… Arseblog can write a completely separate article about a competely different player.