Reports reveal that Mikel Arteta still rates Ethan Nwaneri highly. This comes after the player has seen very limited game time this season.
Arteta still confident on Nwaneri
Ethan Nwaneri has been one of the brightest academy talents Arsenal fans have been excited about. But, breaking into Mikel Arteta’s starting XI has never been tougher. The Gunners went big in the summer transfer market to bolster their attacking depth.
That said, the youngster has to fight hard for his place in the squad. He has found himself looking for minutes at the Emirates. But Fabrizio Romano says, regardless, Arteta remains convinced Nwaneri is one for the future.
The Arsenal head coach still wants to bring him into his long-term plans. The boss will likely give him more minutes in remainder of the season. That is especially with the packed schedule in both the PL and UCL.
Patience before his breakthrough
At just 18, Nwaneri has already been rewarded with a big contract. That is a sign of Arsenal’s faith in his potential. He was hoping to come on when Bukayo Saka picked up an injury, but Arteta chose for Madueke instead. That meant Nwaneri had to wait for a late cameos against Leeds and Nottingham Forest.
The youngster has also been a substitute in some of the biggest games of the season. While it might be frustrating not to have gotten many starts, though, Romano adds Arteta is only working his development.
The spotlight is heavy at Arsenal, and Arteta wants Nwaneri fully prepared when his real moment arrives. A possible test could come soon, with Man City visiting the Emirates. That will be a stage where the young forward will be called upon to show his quality.
Author’s Opinion:
Nwaneri’s path won’t be easy, but Arteta’s faith is the key. If the youngster stays patient and ready, his moments could come sooner than many expect.
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