Alan Shearer claims Arsenal‘s teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri has the makings of a “a potential superstar”. The 17-year-old received widespread plaudits, including from Match of the Day pundit Shearer, following his pivotal role in the Gunners’ 2-0 away win over Leicester City on Saturday.
With the north Londoners struggling to break down a resolute Leicester defence, Nwaneri stepped up in the 81st minute with an expertly delivered cross that allowed Mikel Merino to find the net, breaking the deadlock before Merino went on to score his second just minutes later.
Mikel Arteta may not have imagined himself using Nwaneri so often this season, but injuries to key players have necessitated his involvement. Yet, the academy talent has risen to the challenge, filling the huge void left by Bukayo Saka and even scoring a wonder-goal in the thumping 5-1 victory over Manchester City.
Having watched him torment the Leicester defence all afternoon, Shearer pointed out that Arsenal have another gem on their hands. The Newcastle United legend said on Match of the Day: “17 years of age… a potential superstar. He was, without doubt, the bright spark for Arsenal.
“Even when things weren’t going for them, which were large parts of the game, he was the one that was probing, he was the one putting crosses in and having pops at goal.”
Shearer also highlighted another sublime cross by Nwaneri for Declan Rice, adding: “This [early Declan Rice chance] is almost identical to the cross that they score from. He [Nwaneri] just shifts the ball onto the left foot and he whips it in but Declan Rice can’t quite get on the end of it.
“Again, he gets the ball and works it onto his left foot. This time he cuts inside and has a pop at goal but hits the crossbar. But he can and does also like to down that right-hand side.
“If you show him too much room, if you invite him to go down there then that’s fine, he will do that as well. He was the best player on the pitch today, so lively.”
Shearer wasn’t the only former England international heaping praise on the young talent. Former Chelsea icon and TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole voiced his admiration for Nwaneri with high praise, saying: “These touches he produces, in and around the box, little tiny touches. I don’t want to say it, but it’s like Messi.
“I’ve said it, I’ve said it. I don’t want to put any more pressure on the kid’s shoulders but the touches he makes as he receives the ball on the back foot and then that little touch. He plays with such confidence but he’s just a beautiful player.”
Cole also urged Arteta to protect the teenager and allow him time to blossom and develop into an even better player. The former winger said: “The one thing I’d just say is he’s already had a hamstring injury this year.
“Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have to protect him, they’re chasing the game now. I imagine there would’ve been conversations where we need to make sure he’s ready for next week. Maybe 60 minutes, 70 minutes. You don’t want to get to a situation like with Michael Owen.”
