Paul Merson has praised’special talent’ Ethan Nwaneri, but has advised the Arsenal wonderkid to ‘be patient’.
Nwaneri had long been earmarked for fame after becoming the Premier League’s youngest player in history in 2022, making his Arsenal debut at the age of 15 years and 181 days.
Just over two years later, the offensive midfielder started his first professional game for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, defeating Bolton Wanderers 5-1.
Nwaneri scored twice against the League One side, excelling with Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, and Declan Rice.
With Martin Odegaard now out injured, many believe Mikel Arteta should and will turn to the 17-year-old as Arsenal seek to win the Premier League championship.
Merson feels Nwaneri is a tremendous prospect and has commended Arsenal for how they have managed his development, but he believes they should be cautious not to push him into regular first-team involvement.
‘That’s a terrific goal, a savvy goal; he enters the six-yard box. “He’s got the confidence to take a shot,” Merson said Sky Sports while discussing Nwaneri’s goals against Bolton.
Paul Merson has praised’special talent’ Ethan Nwaneri, but has advised the Arsenal wonderkid to ‘be patient’.
Nwaneri had long been earmarked for fame after becoming the Premier League’s youngest player in history in 2022, making his Arsenal debut at the age of 15 years and 181 days.
Just over two years later, the offensive midfielder started his first professional game for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, defeating Bolton Wanderers 5-1.
Nwaneri scored twice against the League One side, excelling with Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, and Declan Rice.
With Martin Odegaard now out injured, many believe Mikel Arteta should and will turn to the 17-year-old as Arsenal seek to win the Premier League championship.
Merson feels Nwaneri is a tremendous prospect and has commended Arsenal for how they have managed his development, but he believes they should be cautious not to push him into regular first-team involvement.
‘That’s a terrific goal, a savvy goal; he enters the six-yard box. “He’s got the confidence to take a shot,” Merson said Sky Sports while discussing Nwaneri’s goals against Bolton.
‘He is an excellent player. The difficulty is that it is extremely difficult to consistently play for Arsenal, especially given that they can recruit players from all around the world.
‘For this youngster to be playing and these kids to be given an opportunity, good play to Arsenal for giving them that chance.
‘But at the same time, they’re joining a strong football squad. They are coming in and playing alongside good players who are confident, like as Declan Rice, which helps.
‘Sometimes you find that kids are brought in when the team, the players, are failing, and it’s difficult for them because they think, “I’ve got to rely on the experienced players,” and the veteran players aren’t performing well, so they look after themselves.
“It’s clever how Arsenal is doing it.” They’re bringing these youngsters in at the perfect time: the squad is soaring, and the players surrounding them are full of confidence.
