Ethan Nwaneri staked his claim for a starting berth in Arsenal’s midfield with an impressive display in the 1-0 win against AC Milan.
The 18-year-old was named in Mikel Arteta‘s line-up for the opening match of the Gunners‘ pre-season tour of Singapore ahead of captain Martin Odegaard, who started on the bench.
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Bukayo Saka led the side out in Odegaard’s absence, while summer signing Christian Norgaard was handed his first start.
Declan Rice completed the midfield three, but it was Nwaneri who stole the show, with fans blown away by his first-half performance.
While neither side were able to make the breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes, the Englishman first caught the eye when he pulled off an exquisite piece of skill to get past Strahinja Pavlovic.
With his back to the defender on the touchline, Nwaneri produced a brilliant turn to bamboozle his opponent and progress into the box.
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Moments later, he produced another bit of quality with a stunning turn and driven volley that forced a strong save from Milan stopper Pietro Terracciano.
After a lively first-half, the young star was replaced by Odegaard at the interval, with Arsenal taking the lead shortly through Saka shortly after the restart.
What did Arsenal fans make of Ethan Nwaneri’s performance?
But Gunners fans couldn’t forget Nwaneri’s display in a hurry, with the feeling being that this could spell bad news for their skipper.
Supporters flocked online to share their approval of the starlet, whilst firing a warning to Odegaard.
Replying to a clip of his stunning piece of skill, one fan on X wrote: “Lad needs to start.”
Another commented: “Martin Odegaard has proper competition here. Ethan Nwaneri has truly arrived.”
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A third added: “Odegaard has no option but to be good this season because my word Nwaneri is ready for that position.”
This supporter then simply said: “This kid is special.”
What does the future hold for Nwaneri?
While fans are keen for Nwaneri to be given a starting berth immediately, they should have plenty of time to see him flourish in an Arsenal shirt.
The Hale End academy graduate has reportedly agreed a new long-term contract to keep him at the Emirates.
Sources claim that the new deal is for up to five years, indicating the high regard Nwaneri is held in at the club.
He has been tipped for a big future ever since he made his Arsenal debut as a 15-year-old back in 2022 – becoming the Premier League’s youngest ever player.
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The England Under-21 star enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, as he began to make more regular first-team appearances.
Nwaneri racked up nine goals and two assists in all competitions in what was effectively his first full campaign as a first team player.
And while fans are desperate to see more of him, there can be little doubt of what Odegaard can bring to the team in the meantime.
Since his arrival at the Emirates in 2021, the Norwegian has been an ever-present for the Gunners and was made club captain in 2022.
He has since gone on to feature 198 times for Arsenal in all competitions, scoring 41 goals and assisting 38 times.
