'Amazing player': Paul Merson says Arsenal actually have a youngster who is an absolutely 'massive talent'
01/02/2025 01:45 PM
Arsenal have always been renowned for their incredible youth talent.
Bukayo Saka was lauded by Gabriel Martinelli as “one of the best players in the world”, which is a massive compliment for a player who came through the Hale End Academy.
Mikel Merino raved about Myles Lewis-Skelly, another Arsenal youngster for his fine technique and intelligence that makes him the kind of player fans would love to watch in action.
In the past, the likes of Tony Adams and Martin Keown all came through the Gunners’ academy as well and went down as club legends.
Ethan Nwaneri would be hoping to follow in their footsteps and become an icon at Arsenal. Martin Odegaard sang Nwaneri’s praises by stating that he does not view him as a young talent but just a “really good player” ready for senior football.
Paul Merson has chimed in on by hailing the 17-year-old after he impressed in his side’s 3-1 victory against Brentford.
Paul Merson hails “amazing” Ethan Nwaneri after Arsenal beat Brentford
Nwaneri played in Saka’s right-wing role against Brentford and completely looked the part. Previously, Mikel Arteta highlighted Nwaneri’s versatility, which was there for all to see against the Bees.
After Arsenal’s latest victory, while Paul Merson played down the fact that the teenage talent can easily replace Saka, he did rave about his talent on Sky Sports News.
“I’m a big fan of this kid, I think he’s an amazing player, I think he’s been patient to get his chance. He’s come in, he’s not [Bukayo] Saka. He’s a different kind of player.”
“Saka’s going to be missed with [Martin] Odegaard and Saka and [Declan] Rice are probably their three best players.”
Paul Merson did emphasise that Nwaneri’s minutes will have to be carefully managed by Mikel Arteta if he is handed an increasingly significant role in the side now.
So, he’s going to come in, he’s going to have to be looked after, I don’t know if he will be able to week in, week out.”
“I think Mikel Arteta will have to look after his minutes in that way but yeah, a massive talent.”
Mikel Arteta makes bold Ethan Nwaneri admission
After Arsenal defeated Brentford, Mikel Arteta assured Nwaneri would be playing even if the Gunners had signed another player.
"Really good [performance against Brentford]. But in training, he gave us all the right reasons, if we would've signed a player from any country, he would be playing, so he's an academy player, he needs to be playing because he deserves it.”
Nwaneri seems to have a wise head on his shoulders and while he will be enjoying the spotlight, the bigger picture of keeping his head down and striving towards becoming a key squad player at Arsenal stands in his wake.
However, being praised by an Arsenal legend like Paul Merson amongst many must justifiably excite the Englishman and perhaps even motivate to continue to impress.
