Tim Sherwood has told The Analysis Show that Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah can be their version of Tottenham superstar Harry Kane. The ex-Spurs gaffer claims Nketiah “could be the answer” for Arsenal.
Nketiah, 22, has been superb after being brought into the Arsenal starting XI against Chelsea, and then Manchester United. He notched a superb brace to help Arsenal beat Chelsea 4-2 – and had a disallowed goal against United.
The striker, who holds the goalscoring record for England’s Under-21 side, is out of contract at the end of the season. He is said to be considering an offer from Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace, to join the Eagles on a free.
But Sherwood believes Arsenal should keep Nketiah, who now has seven goals in all competitions for the Gunners this season – and 20 in 87 senior outings. The Spurs legend believes he needs to be given time at Arsenal.
So, the Spurs legend thinks Nketiah should be handed a new deal at the Emirates – and used himself, handing Kane a chance at Tottenham. He says Nketiah could be Arsenal’s version of Kane, if he is given the chance.
“I think he could be the answer. Why not? My question to Mikel, when he looks through the squad, who are your best players? They come from the academy. Why can’t this boy do it. He’s been shown no love.
“Started minimal PL games, scores in the Cup. They want a fox in the box – Nketiah is that man. Some will say he’s not the man to take us forward. Harry Kane wasn’t when I gave him that opportunity – you never know.”
Sherwood on Nketiah: Could he become Arsenal version of Kane?
When Kane come into Tottenham’s side, he was a rookie. He had just struggled at Norwich. There are comparisons at this stage, but the progress of Kane at Spurs has dumbfounded prior expectation of the striker.
Another comparison is that both have captained England, both are boyhood academy products of the club they are playing for. When Nketiah plays, especially at the moment, he creates chances for himself.
He is just what Arsenal need. Martin Keown recently said he cannot see Nketiah leaving after his brace against Chelsea and Sherwood is right, he needs time. Is he the next Kane? Probably not, but he should stay.
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