A Chelsea legend has delivered high praise to Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League match away to Leicester City on Saturday.
Joe Cole was on punditry and commentary duty for TNT Sports as Arsenal travelled to the King Power Stadium to take on Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City in Saturday’s Premier League early kick-off, and could not hide his praise for Nwaneri.
Speaking ahead of the game, Cole, who played 282 times in all competitions for Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea, claimed: “[Ethan] Nwaneri is the best young player in the country.”
As Arsenal battle a severe injury crisis, which currently sees Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus sidelined simultaneously, Nwaneri has been rewarded with increased playing time amidst his breakout season, and was named in the Gunners’ starting lineup against Leicester City.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also shared his views on the England youth international after recalling him to the starting lineup, saying: “He has competed and played really well with and without pressure, with no expectations. That’s him, it’s in his nature. He’ll play with no fear, take initiative and make it happen.”
Despite still being just 17 years old, Nwaneri has already made 23 first-team appearances so far in the 2024/25 campaign, and has amassed an impressive seven goals, averaging a goal in every 100 minutes that he has played so far – with three in the Carabao Cup, one in the UEFA Champions League as well as three in the Premier League – which has led to high praise from all corners of the footballing community.
