Gabriel Jesus Believes “It’s A Question Of Time” Before Ethan Nwaneri Explodes

By The Editor
on 1st November 2024

Jesus says Nwaneri reminds him of Man City starlets…

Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus stated that it’s only a matter of time before starlet Ethan Nwaneri explodes onto the scene after the 17-year-old produced a stunning display against Preston, The Standard reports.

Nwaneri made his second start of the season at Deepdale and, after bagging a brace in the previous round against Bolton, the youngster found the net once again.

Mikel Arteta started the Hale End graduate in the right-eight position usually occupied by skipper Martin Odegaard and Nwaneri definitely gave his boss something to ponder

The England youth international registered four shots at goal during his time on the pitch, with two hitting the target while another clipped the top of the crossbar.

With the clamour to see Nwaneri start more among the fanbase growing, Jesus believes his teammate can follow in the footsteps of the likes of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer.

“To see Ethan in training and in games is good, because I am a fan of football,” the 27-year-old said after the game.

“When I see someone young with this quality, I am happy and then obviously I want him to grow, grow, grow and then if he needs something from me, personally, I am here to help him because I am 27. I am young, but I have been in this game for a few years.

“I saw people, I saw people like Phil Foden waiting for his chance and then now, look at Phil. He is one of the best players in the world. So I really wish Ethan can keep his toes on the grass, work, and then it is a question of time for him to shine.”

Nwaneri is starting to give Arteta some serious food for thought with these performances and while the likes of Bolton and Preston are a level below the Premier League, the manner of his display was impressive.

The playmaker often made bonafide Championship players look like they didn’t belong on the same pitch as him and it will be interesting to see if that affects Arteta’s lineup on Saturday.

The Spaniard has switched to a fluid 4-4-2 since Martin Odegaard’s injury, but Nwaneri is proving to be a realistic understudy.