Whilst there's no denying that it's been a frustrating season for Arsenal on the injury front, those injuries have allowed Hale End's best talents to emerge, leading to praise from former defender Philippe Senderos.
Arsenal's Hale End gem could be better than Saka
Ever since the arrival of Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal academy has been a key element to any of the Gunners' success. When the Spaniard was attempting to drag the Gunners out of mid-table obscurity and back onto Europe's biggest stage, it was Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe who emerged to take North London by storm.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after the match Related
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The Gunners have set their sights on a Premier League attacker.
In the end, injuries opened the exit door for Smith Rowe who swapped The Emirates for Fulham last summer, but his impact at the start of Arteta's reign should not be forgotten anytime soon. Saka, meanwhile, has become the star of the show at Arsenal and his injury has no doubt played a part in what is likely to be another failed Premier League title push.
In his absence, however, the Gunners have had the chance to turn towards Hale End to uncover yet another gem who may even be better than their current star. Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Arsenal Invincible Senderos was quick to lavish praise on Ethan Nwaneri, claiming that his potential has no ceiling.
The former defender said: "He’s a special player. I think he’s learned from a lot of the Arsenal players who play on the right, right-wingers who come in on their left. I think Bukayo is a great example, an academy player who’s done that.
“Ethan - even more so - in the last few months I think is a special player who can make things and plays without fear again, tries things even in difficult situations, but also understands what is required and I think it shows why he’s been getting minutes.
Ethan Nwaneri Arsenal stats
“I don’t think there is a ceiling, I think he has attributes for the modern game and definitely suits Arsenal’s style of play and they found a way because of injuries or thanks to injuries, to give him his opportunities.
“We’re talking about special types of players, Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly who have this maturity at a young age and are able to play at such a high level, it’s really impressive.”
"Special" Nwaneri is a rising star
Both Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have stolen the show at times in an Arsenal shirt at times and both continued to do so on England duty in the last week or so. First came Lewis-Skelly's moment, with the left-back stealing the headlines for his debut goal for the senior side. Then, it was the turn of Nwaneri to make his mark, scoring a sensational effort for England's U21s on Tuesday night.
Premier League stats at 18 (via FBref) Nwaneri Saka
Starts 7 30
Goals 3 5
Assists 1 3
Key Passes per 90 1.19 1.34
Although it's worth noting that Saka was playing in a far less complete Arsenal side at 18 years old, there's no denying that four goal involvements in seven Premier League starts makes for an impressive total for Nwaneri.
Nwaneri-Arsenal-Premier-League
Five years younger than Saka, the latest Arsenal gem is only going to get better and better, perhaps even eclipsing his current teammate.