Ethan Nwaneri
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri has emerged as one of the standout players of the season, impressing with his performances for the first team. The 17-year-old has already scored four goals this campaign, including three in Arsenal’s run to the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Nwaneri first made headlines two years ago at the age of 15 when he became the youngest player in Premier League history. Since then, Arsenal have carefully integrated the midfielder into the first team, and his progress has been nothing short of remarkable.
Reflecting on his journey so far, Nwaneri has credited teammates Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard for their mentorship and guidance. “Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka have both been great for me, and not just me but all the young players,” Nwaneri said.
“They help us with everything, and somebody like Bukayo has had that journey already. That’s really important—he knows what we are going through, he can help me, offer me insights on what can help me.”
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Nwaneri spoke highly of Saka’s approachability and humility. “He’s so good to talk to because he’s so chilled and humble, but also I try to watch him as much as I can and learn that way. Martin as well, he was playing when he was 15 too, so to have that experience in the dressing room is great,” Nwaneri added.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard
Bukayo Saka with Martin Odegaard (Image credit: Getty Images)
The teenager is optimistic about his future and confident he has much more to offer. “I’m pleased with how it is going. I’ve scored my first Premier League goal, I’ve been making more appearances. I’ve made my first starts for the first team, scored my first professional goals too, but there is a lot more to come and it will come.
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“I just know and I see where I want to be, and where I’m going to be, and I focus on that. Nobody has really seen anything from me yet, just a small snippet of what’s to come, so I’ve got a much bigger picture in my mind that I want to work towards.”
Ethan Nwaneri also reflected on how breaking into the Arsenal first team at such a young age helped shape his mentality. “I think that first game helped me deal with everything, it made me stronger,” he told Arsenal’s match-day programme. “Once you become the youngest ever player for the club, then people on the outside expect you to score five goals every time you play for the under-18s.
“So that time definitely helped me, to help me deal with that. Maybe I got a bit more attention from my opponents in that period too, but I liked that! It brings out the best in me, makes me want to prove myself even more.”
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