Arsene Wenger Reveals The Ex-Arsenal Star Ethan Nwaneri Reminds Him Of

By The Editor
on 17th February 2025

Arsene Wenger waxes lyrical on Nwaneri…

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger waxed lyrical on Ethan Nwaneri following his virtuoso display against Leicester City, likening the youngster to Cesc Fabregas, beIN Sports reports.

Nwaneri started his first Premier League game since hobbling off against Brighton last month and with an injury crisis at the top end of the pitch, the teenager is eager to impress.

The 17-year-old completed the 90 minutes at the King Power Stadium, ending the game with an assist and seeing two of his efforts ping off the woodwork.

His man-of-the-match display has garnered attention around the world and while conducting his punditry duties for the Qatari broadcaster, Wenger had his say on the prodigy.

The Frenchman spoke on Nwaneri’s maturity on the pitch and how it defies his age.

“Nwaneri is a creator of final balls, a dribbler, quality passes,” the iconic manager said.

“Fabregas was very strong mentally, but when I look at this boy, his maturity, it’s difficult to believe he’s 17 years old.

“The sign of a special talent is when they’re ready early.”

Nwaneri has provided some much-needed balance to our right wing in Saka’s absence and while many focus on his productivity in the final third, his ability to retain possession under pressure is key.

When attempting to dominate a game, how you carry the ball through the thirds is crucial and Nwaneri’s close control and explosion allows to expedite that process.

With a full week between matches for the first time in months, Mikel Arteta is likely relishing the chance to recover the teenager properly before our next Premier League outing at home to West Ham.