Arsenal’s teenage star Ethan Nwaneri could be the key to fixing a vital flaw that has been an issue under Mikel Arteta.
Since Mikel Arteta took over Arsenal back in December of 2019, replacing Unai Emery, and after a tough start, the Spaniard has shone in North London.
Arsenal looked to be heading to their first Premier League title since the invincible season back in 2004 but Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City pipped the Gunners to the title.
Nevertheless, trying to compete with Guardiola, who is one of the greatest Premier League managers ever, is a long shot but the Spaniard deserves credit for building a side capable of pushing City all the way.
However, despite the credit that he certainly deserves there is one area of his tenure that is a definite weakness.
Ethan Nwaneri could solve key Arsenal problem
Since Arteta became manager of Arsenal, a side notoriously known for bringing through academy players, there has been a stark lack of quality being brought through from the youth levels.
Bukayo Saka was given his chance under Emery before being nurtured into the team and developed by Arteta.
Emile Smith Rowe is another example of a player who has been brought through by Arteta. However, Smith Rowe is heading to Fulham after a £34 million fee was agreed with Arsenal.
There has been a distinct lack of academy players being handed first-team opportunities at the Emirates Stadium.
In fact, according to TransferMarkt, Arsenal only gave 13 minutes of Premier League football to teenagers last season, which is the second lowest behind their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Teenage midfielder Ethan Nwaneri has made quite the impact for the Gunners during the pre-season tour and the Englishman could be the man to turn that record around.
Nwaneri deserves chance to make midfield spot his own
Midfield was one of the big problems for Arsenal last season as Arteta seemingly did not know where to fit Kai Havertz before settling on the number 9 role, the German was briefly deployed as a midfielder.
Thomas Partey, Jorginho and Havertz all featured in midfield with varying degrees of success.
Despite HITC reporting that Arsenal target Mikel Merino has turned down Real Sociedad’s contract offer, Nwaneri has to be given a chance by Arteta.
Arsenal fans praised Nwaneri’s performance against Bournemouth and the Englishman looks mature beyond his years, he is just 17 years of age.
Whilst he is still just a teenager, Nwaneri looks like he can handle himself in the middle of the park.
Arsenal have a rich history of bringing through academy players and it is time Arteta keeps this tradition alive with Nwaneri.
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