“At his age, he’s better than Bukayo Saka at 17, he reminds me of….” Arsenal icon Arsene Wenger names the former Arsenal player who Ethan Nwaneri already reminds him of
“At his age, he’s better than Bukayo Saka at 17, he reminds me of….” Arsenal icon Arsene Wenger names the former Arsenal player who Ethan Nwaneri already reminds him of
Arsene Wenger would especially like to be witnessing Ethan Nwaneri’s rise as he built a culture at Arsenal for young players to thrive during his 22 years at the club.
Mikel Arteta has followed suit from Wenger and given young prospects like Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly a run in the first-team this season
Lewis-Skelly has impressed and so has Ethan Nwaneri, who perhaps had his best game in a Gunners shirt during his side’s 2-0 win against Leicester City.
Joe Cole raved about Nwaneri’s technique as he caused Leicester problems throughout the game with his silky footwork and directness.
While Mikel Merino dubbed Nwaneri an “amazing player” as well.
Arsene Wenger compares Ethan Nwaneri to Cesc Fabregas
Speaking on beIN SPORTS, Arsene Wenger was quizzed about his thoughts on Nwaneri and he compared him to his former player Cesc Fabregas.
Wenger believes that where Nwaneri is similar to and Fabregas is in terms of how mature he is at just 17.
The Frenchman claims that all such incredible young talents tend to be ready for the highest level from the get-go.
Wenger lauded Nwaneri, saying: “Nwaneri is more a creator through his final ball, his dribbling and the quality of his passing.”
“Yeah, of course, Fabregas was very strong mentally but this boy looks as well and when I look at him, his maturity, it’s difficult for me to think he’s 17 years old.”
Richard Keys replied: “But that was the case with Fabregas as well, wasn’t it, he was such a good player.”
Wenger answered: “Of course but the sign of a special talent is they are ready early.”
Ethan Nwaneri compared to Cesc Fabregas at the same point
The comparisons between Nwaneri and Fabregas are apt as they both broke through into Arsenal’s first-team at 17.
While the Spaniard played far more football at the same stage of his career, the Englishman is far more productive than he was.
However, Nwaneri will be hoping to replicate Fabregas at Arsenal as he eventually became one of their best players and captain in the future.
Arsene Wenger certainly thinks the youngster has the mentality to reach the top like the World Cup winner did.
