Jack Wilshere Hails Ethan Nwaneri as Arsenal’s Breakout Star of the Season

Jack Wilshere hails Ethan Nwaneri as Arsenal’s breakout star, praising his maturity, versatility, and Hale End rise despite limited minutes.

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has praised Ethan Nwaneri as the true breakout star of the season, highlighting the teenager’s remarkable progress and growing influence at the club despite limited first-team action.

Ethan Nwaneri first made history in 2022 when he became the youngest-ever Premier League player at just 15 years and 181 days. Now 18, he continues to build his reputation as one of Arsenal’s most promising Hale End graduates.

Last season, Nwaneri made 26 Premier League appearances and scored four goals, earning himself a new long-term contract in the summer. However, increased competition from signings like Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke has restricted him to only 130 league minutes this season, with his only start coming in the Carabao Cup.

Wilshere, who coached Nwaneri at Arsenal’s academy, remains convinced of his growth. Speaking to talkSPORT, he said:

“Ethan has stepped up his game another level this year. He’s got magic and people are starting to see that a little bit more now.”

Tactical Growth and Versatility

Wilshere believes the youngster’s development goes beyond talent, stressing his tactical understanding of Mikel Arteta’s demanding system.

“He probably took a bit of time to understand what Mikel wanted out of possession and exactly what he wanted in possession, but he has some ability,” Wilshere noted.

Nwaneri’s versatility has been another strength. During academy matches, he was used as a winger, false nine, and even a deeper midfielder. Wilshere recalled:

“He would find spaces and pull off into areas where defenders don’t want to go.”

This flexibility makes him a valuable option for Arsenal’s evolving attacking setup.

Patience for Ethan Nwaneri’s Breakout Season

With captain Martin Ødegaard back from injury, Bukayo Saka regaining form, and Eze excelling, Nwaneri faces a tough fight for minutes. Yet Wilshere is confident that his moment will arrive.

“He can get at players, he can beat players, so I would like to see him centrally at some point,” he said.

Mikel Arteta reassured fans that Nwaneri and fellow academy talent Myles Lewis-Skelly will be given chances when ready:

“They have to be used and when they are playing… they are fully ready and both of them have been really good at that.”

The recognition of Ethan Nwaneri as Arsenal’s breakout star reflects the continued success of the club’s Hale End academy, which has already produced Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.

This season, as Arsenal aims to win a trophy, the development of young players like Nwaneri may be crucial. His mix of technical brilliance, tactical maturity, and fearlessness suggests that the Hale End pipeline is stronger than ever.

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