Fresh from penning a new long-term deal and inheriting the number 14 shirt from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, you’d imagine Eddie Nketiah might be a bit miffed by his lack of game time this season.
If he is, he’s not showing it.
Despite being reduced to eight substitute cameos in the league, the 23-year-old says he accepts playing second fiddle to new signing Gabriel Jesus whose form since joining from Manchester City has been very impressive.
Facing the press ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League clash with Bodo/Glimt, a match he’s expected to start, Nketiah couldn’t help but praise Jesus.
“He’s (Jesus) a great player. He’s good to play alongside and watch. He’s had a really good start and he’s a great guy off the pitch so I’m really happy for him.
“I don’t really see it as me versus him, it’s about whatever’s best for the team. There will be times when we play together. We’ve shown that we can play together.
“The times we played in pre-season and I played with him, we showed that we can combine. We’re both fluid strikers that like to move around. He’s had a good start and hopefully, it continues for the team.”
He added: “My aim is to be starting and helping the team, but I respect the coach’s decision. It’s down to me to keep working hard and putting in the performances. It’s a long season and we’re only a month in. There will be a lot of opportunities for me to play, whether that be in Europe or in the league, and I’ll be ready whenever I’m called upon.
“When you play for any big club there is always going to be competition, I’m not shy of that. I’m happy to be part of a team that is doing well and will keep pushing hard to show that I deserve more minutes.”
Well said young man
Well said Monster!! You’ll be killing them soon!!!
Eddie “The Right Mindset” Nketiah
Eddie “the new 100k a week contract” Nketiah
20 million for 4 years of Eddie is a good deal. A player of similar ability would cost 20 million transfer fee.
Irrelevant.
Every player at this level is making super money.
Not every player has the right attitude.
Eddie has.
Love Eddie and his bullish nature. That augurs well for team spirit and for the future.
This crop of youth has a different aura about them, not enough can be said about the work done by people like the BFG. Huge roll models to have when setting out your morals and principles as a young man.
Wise lad. Keep going.
That’s the attitude Eddie! Turn on your beast mode in our upcoming Europa League game.
Great mentality, music to my ears.
hopefully we get to see nketiah and jesus together tomorrow
What an amazing attitude. He’s really impressing.
I don’t follow much of the youth set up but I remember Wrighty absolutely raving about Eddie before he broke into the squad.
Wrighty being one of my all time favourite players I obviously kept a closer eye on Nketiah from then on.
Would love it if he could prove Ian Wright Wright right and really smash it this year.
Great player and attitude. I think most of us are biting are tongue’s with Eddie in previously stating he’s a one dimensional player with a low ceiling. Kid looks hungry and eager to prove himself when he’s called upon. Looking forward to watching him get some starts in the lesser competitions and seeing how high that ceiling really is!
He’s matured so much since his days in The Wire. He hated the co-op back then, but loves being a part of it now.
“Sound like one of them good problems”
You want it to be one way but its the other way
Glad I’m not the only one who thinks he looks like Marlo Stanfield.
Thank u for Ur understanding.
We all know you are good but experience matters alot now.
Keep learning boy.
Grab it opportunity whenever it comes.
That’s it, Eddie. His energy is great from the start of games, but even more so against tired legs. Seen him since he was lighting it up in the under 18s as one for the future. Glad he’s made it to the 1st team, and matured very well. love the fight and effort he puts in for the shirt. Number 14.