Arsenal star Mikel Arteta stated that Ethan Nwaneri can become a number nine in the future. (via Football London)
Arsenal star Mikel Arteta expressed his belief in academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri, who he feels could become a perfect center-forward in the years to come. The 17-year-old has been a revelation at the club this season, after breaking into the first team.
Ethan Nwaneri has made his mark at Arsenal this season. He has scored four goals in 14 appearances in all competitions, 12 of which have been from the bench. The 17-year-old has primarily operated as a right-sided attacking midfielder, and most recently replaced skipper Martin Odegaard during the club’s 0-0 draw against Everton. Nwaneri rose up the ranks of the Arsenal academy, having impressed for the under-21s last season. He had scored 11 goals and provided three assists for the Arsenal youth side last term.
Despite deploying the youngster in the midfield, Mikel Arteta, while praising the 17-year-old, noted his versatility as well as his ability to play in any given position or situation. Arteta claimed that Nwaneri can play as a right winger, a right attacking midfielder or a left attacking midfielder. The youngster, Arteta claimed, could also become a number nine in the future. The Spaniard highlighted the Englishman’s goal-scoring instincts, as well as his ability to find the back of the net.
FS Video
Ethan can play as a right attacking midfielder, left attacking midfielder, as a right winger and there is another position he can develop into in a few years time, which is the number nine.
Moreover, Ethan Nwaneri might get his third start for Arsenal, when they play Crystal Palace in a Carabao Cup encounter this week. He will likely play in the midfield, in place of skipper Martin Odegaard. He could be accompanied by midfielders Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino.
Mikel Arteta claims Carabao Cup win would help transform Arsenal’s ‘energy’
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta surprisingly claimed that winning the EFL Cup or any other piece of silverware this season would definitely transform the team’s mentality. His statement comes at a time when the Gunners have fallen behind in the EPL title race, six points adrift the top of the table.
Mikel Arteta believes that an EFL Cup victory can transform Arsenal. (via Arsenal.now)
The Gunners face Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, and seek to move closer to their first major piece of silverware since 2020. Asked whether EFL Cup success would have an impact upon the team, Arteta stated that it would bring back belief, trust and positive energy into the side. A Carabao Cup win, he added, would create a path for the club to gain momentum and win more silverware.
It is really helpful, it brings belief, trust, positive energy, touching the cup, and being in the semi-final and beating somebody in the final.
The Carabao Cup has often been a stepping stone for managers in their EPL title pursuit. Pep Guardiola’s first trophy with Manchester City came in the form of the 2017 League Cup triumph. It was also a stepping stone for Jose Mourinho.
Stay Updated!
Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.
Siddhartha Roy is a Football Writer and has written over 100 articles at FirstSportz. Currently, in his final year at Presidency University in Kolkata, he passionately supports Arsenal while also holding admiration for Real Madrid and Dortmund. Hailing from North-East India, he deeply enjoys the sport and spent his school days playing it in his free time. Despite the Messi and Ronaldo era, Siddhartha resonates with Marco Reus, the iconic Dortmund midfielder, as his favorite player. He endeavors to innovate and elevate his writing passion by consistently bringing forth fresh ideas in his articles.
Follow Us
Siddhartha Roy
(769 Articles Published)