BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal applauds the fans following the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Arsenal FC at Brentford Community Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about Arsenal record-breaker Ethan Nwaneri
England youth international
Nwaneri has been at Arsenal since he was nine and he’s developed into one of the most promising teenagers currently on the Gunners’ books.
The 15-year-old, who is an attacking midfielder and has been described by Tardios as the “new Wayner Rooney”, has represented England Under-16s and 17s in the past year.
He’s used to playing a year or two up and after he made Premier League history on Sunday, Nwaneri got on a flight to Poland to compete in a tournament with the England Under-17s. The Arsenal starlet has scored a goal each for the 16s and 17s.
He only just made his debut for Arsenal’s Under-21s
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Nwaneri’s rise to Premier League record-breaker was swift. It wasn’t too long ago when the attacking midfielder was training with 14-year-olds twice a week.
At the end of the 2020/21 campaign, Nwaneri made his debut for Arsenal’s Under-18s against Reading just a month after he turned 14 and he scored a goal that was well worthy of some Ian Bishop “REMEMBER THE NAME” commentary. Nwaneri received possession in an inside right position, cut onto his left foot and curled a wonderful effort into the top corner.
He notched four goal contributions in five appearances for the Under-18s last season, and his impressive form was rewarded with a step-up to the Under-21s at the start of 2022/23. Nwaneri made his debut against Blackburn earlier this month, playing an hour in a 4-1 victory.
Continued on the next slide…
https://t.co/29KTtOfoLU
<p>— James Benge (@jamesbenge) <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/09/20/everything-need-know-arsenal-record-breaker-ethan-nwaneri/2/"https://twitter.com/jamesbenge/status/1571974916639006721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>September 19, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Nwaneri is a playmaker who has quickly developed a penchant for scoring goals. He boasts quick feet, a useful turn of pace, 20/20 vision, and an eye for the final pass. Comparisons have been drawn with Under-18s coach Jack Wilshere, but Nwaneri is certainly more forward-thinking than the starlet of yesteryear.</p>
<p>The 15-year-old’s talent is off the charts, and he didn’t take too long to endear himself to Arsenal leader Granit Xhaka, who has been coaching the Under-16s as part of his coaching badges.</p>
<p>“You can see a big difference with him [Nwaneri] and the other guys,” <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/09/20/everything-need-know-arsenal-record-breaker-ethan-nwaneri/2/"https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/granit-xhaka-is-rewriting-his-arsenal-story-while-paving-way-for-special-teenage-prospect-ethan-nwaneri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Xhaka told CBS Sports</a>.</p>
<p>“He is very, very special. Of course, you have to protect him as he is very young, but if he keeps going like this with his hard work he has a big, big future.”</p>
<p>The Swiss midfielder said Nwaneri hasn’t trained too much with the first team and he described the teenager as being “very shy”.</p>
<p>“You have to protect him and help him,” Xhaka added. “Football is not everything for him and for us, but yes, the club will help him and the experienced players have to help him.”</p>
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<p>Nwaneri certainly has an admirer in Xhaka, and the record-breaker is clearly held in high regard at Arsenal. However, for us fans, we must not place lofty expectations on the 15-year-old and let him develop at his own pace.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">
