Glenn Hoddle has praised Mikel Arteta for handing 15-year-old Ethan Nwaneri his Premier League debut during Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Brentford on Sunday.
The England legend added that it shows Arteta’s ‘vision’ and proves that he is ‘open-minded’ in making such a brave and now record-breaking call.
As a result of Nwaneri coming onto the pitch for Arsenal, it now means he is the youngest player to have graced the Premier League stage.
At 15 years and 181 days old – at the time of his debut – he smashes the previous record which was held by Harvey Elliott when he made his debut for Fulham at 16 years and 38 days.
It’s a remarkable achievement for the youngster and a moment the Hale-End star will never forget.
Hoddle thinks it’s ‘crazy’ that Nwaneri has made his debut at such a young age, but also feels it sends out a positive message to the rest of the academy, as he told Premier League Productions.
“What a feeling for him,” said Hoddle. “But what a feeling for also the other players in the academy at that level.
“It just goes to show you the manager has got vision. He has got wide-open vision and is open-minded. And must have relied upon the academy coaches.
“It’s wonderful for the kid. It really is. He had one pass and let’s hope that pass was a good pass – I think back to when I was 15. It’s crazy.”
HARVEY ELLIOTT IS AN EXAMPLE FOR NWANERI
The record Nwaneri has been is that of Elliott’s, who is now thriving in Liverpool colours and a regular starter for Jurgen Klopp.
There are some people, like Danny Murphy, talking absolute nonsense because he doesn’t think it’s the right call.
It’s pretty amazing that a 15-year-old is handed his debut and the first thing you think of is being negative.
Elliott is an example that if Nwaneri has the right people around, both off the field, and those inside of Arsenal, then he will be fine because he has just that with Arteta and players like Granit Xhaka.
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