Former Premier League midfielder Jamie O’Hara has said that Ethan Nwaneri is “a bit more special” than Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.
Saka has become one of the best wingers in the Premier League under Mikel Arteta, and despite spending much of the season injured, is Arsenal’s third top scorer, and their assist leader.
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The England winger remains out injured with a hamstring problem, he looks due to return after the March international break, and will most likely play his next game against Fulham on April 1st.
However, this season, 17-year-old Nwaneri has broken out especially considering the injury to Saka. Nwaneri has made 27 appearances for the Gunners, scoring eight goals and providing one assist. It has made him a contender to be called up to Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad later this month.
Amid his breakout season, Nwaneri has been dubbed as “more special” by former Premier League midfielder Jamie O’Hara. He told Grosvenor Sport: “Ethan Nwaneri is like Bukayo Saka but – dare I say it – with a little bit more.
“I feel like he’s more creative and versatile; he can play in more areas on the pitch. Saka is a winger, he can get to the by-line and he cuts inside to curl a shot into the far corner. But there’s something about Nwaneri that makes me think he’s a bit more special.
“He’s got a long career ahead of him, but let’s hope Arteta doesn’t run him into the ground like Saka and gives him a break. It’s another compliment to Arsenal’s Hale End academy. Arsenal have £250 million worth of players that they’ve paid nothing for!”
Could Arteta play both Nwaneri and Saka for Arsenal?
The difficult thing with Nwaneri will come when Saka returns from his hamstring injury as both players play the same position.
They both play on the right-hand side, and in the immediate future, Arteta will likely drop Nwaneri to the bench to play as a backup to Saka – who is one of Arsenal’s first names on the team sheet.
However, looking into the future, Arteta has said that he could play Nwaneri as a striker for the Gunners, so he could develop him to play alongside Saka – they could develop an impressive partnership for Arteta.
Click here to see our player profile for Ethan Nwaneri about his youth career and his time at Arsenal ever since.