Winger Ethan Nwaneri has been compared to the legendary Lionel Messi, after an impressive performance that helped Arsenal beat Leicester 2-0 in the 25th round of the Premier League. Nwaneri was voted the best player in Arsenal’s win at King Power Stadium on February 15. He played the full 90 minutes, touched the ball 64 times, passed 91% accurately with two passes creating opportunities, dribbled past opponents seven times and finished four times – two of which hit the crossbar and the post. In the 81st minute, Nwaneri himself set up Mikel Merino for the opening header, creating the turning point of the match.
On TNT Sports, presenter Lynsey Hipgrave began her post-match commentary by asking, “If Nwaneri is this good at 17, how good can he be?”
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown replied: “This young man is fantastic. He is confident on the ball, strong in his movements. At such a young age, Nwaneri has made a difference with his accurate passes. His decision-making is in a different class.”
Keown grew up in the Arsenal academy and played for the first team from 1984-1986 and 1993-2004, winning 10 titles, including three Premier League titles. At the international level, he played 43 matches, with the “Three Lions” participating in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, and Euro 1992 and 2000.
Joe Cole praised his compatriot for being difficult to mark because he can dribble with both his left and right foot. “Touches in and around the box,” the former England international said after watching footage of Nwaneri holding the ball. “I don’t want to say it, but it’s like Messi. I don’t want to put more pressure on the youngster, but I’m sure he’ll handle it.”
On BBC’s Match of the Day, former striker Alan Shearer also praised Arsenal’s talent. “17 years old, a potential superstar,” said the Newcastle and England legend. “Nwaneri is the spark for Arsenal. He can cut inside and go straight down the right. Nwaneri was the best player on the pitch today, very energetic.”
Nwaneri is part of the new generation of talent at the Emirates Stadium, and is left-footed like Messi. He is the youngest player to play in Arsenal and the Premier League history, appearing at the end of the Brentford match in September 2022 at the age of 15 years and 181 days. The 17-year-old midfielder has gradually broken into Arsenal’s first team this season, scoring 7 goals in all competitions, including 3 in the Premier League, 3 in the League Cup and 1 in the Champions League.
After the win over Leicester, coach Mikel Arteta said he wanted to be cautious and manage playing time to avoid putting pressure on Nwaneri, but his student was always ready. The Spanish coach highly appreciated Nwaneri for his confidence, great energy, creativity, danger and deserved to be on the field.
