Arsenal U21s have started the season with two victories in succession as they overcame West Ham United and Leicester City, with hugely talented 16-year-old Ethan Nwaneri playing a significant part in both games.
Nwaneri was the standout performer in a 3-0 win over West Ham and provided an assist. The youngster looked completely at ease at U21 level, having gained experience of playing for the second-string last season.
Last night Arsenal beat Leicester 4-1, with the Foxes being reduced to ten men when the score was 1-1 as Paul Appiah was sent off.
Nwaneri scored a hat-trick against Leicester; his first goals for the U21s and again managed to stand out.
He is continuing to progress at an impressive rate and will now have the opportunity to test himself in the EFL Trophy against Swindon Town on Tuesday night.
It will be intriguing to see how Arsenal manage Nwaneri’s development this season but it is already getting to the stage where the step up to senior football of some description may be required.
Arsenal have a large first-team squad at present so getting on the bench may be a difficult task, but it could soon get to the stage where Nwaneri is difficult to ignore.
The UEFA Youth League, which Arsenal U19s will participate in for the first time since 2017, will also be useful for the development of this excellent prospect.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Should be given chances, cup games at first , but this lad is going to be quite something
Worth a go in the league cup?
Whats his best position, the article doesn’t say . I thought he was 8, where Xhaka played last season
Nwaneri is another generational talent in the mould of Saka
Better than Havertz?
He’s got nothing to do with your weird grudge on havertz. Just let him develop in his own time.
Nwaneri will be to Havertz what Saka was to Pepe. Sign a player for £70m, player turns out to be shit, youth player comes in and becomes the player we wanted for free
Certainly possible but I like to give new players more time than one game to bed in and learn the system before passing judgement.
A 6 month loan in January? There’s an opportunity to play 5 games against senior men’s teams in the Papa johns trophy (if the Arsenal make the knockout rounds)
Should give the club an idea of the level he’s currently at
HYPE TRAIN!!!