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Martin Keown fears that an England call-up for Ethan Nwaneri may lead to further fatigue issues for the young Arsenal player.
Arsenal’s young prodigy Ethan Nwaneri has been making waves with his impressive performances on the pitch. The 17-year-old has stepped up in Bukayo Saka’s absence, scoring four goals in all competitions since the beginning of the year. His remarkable form has led to speculation about a potential call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, which will be announced later this week.
Speaking on The Sun, Keown emphasized that Nwaneri, despite his impressive performances for Arsenal, is still too young to handle the pressures of international football. He believes that the 17-year-old needs more time to develop physically and mentally before being thrust into the limelight of international competition.
Keown pointed out that Nwaneri has already played over 1000 minutes for Arsenal this season, scoring eight goals and providing one assist in 28 appearances. While these statistics are commendable, Keown argues that the teenager’s body is not yet fully developed, particularly in terms of his cardiovascular system. He noted that Nwaneri has looked tired in recent matches, which is normal for someone his age.
The former Arsenal defender also highlighted the importance of managing Nwaneri’s workload sensibly. He suggested that the international break would be an ideal time for the young player to rest and work with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, rather than joining the England squad. Keown expressed concerns about the potential impact on Nwaneri’s confidence and physical well-being if he were to be called up too soon.
Keown’s advice is rooted in the understanding that young players need time to develop and should not be rushed into high-pressure situations prematurely.
In contrast, Keown has highlighted another Arsenal academy graduate, Myles Lewis-Skelly, as a player who might be ready for his first senior call-up. Unlike Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly is more physically developed and could potentially fill the left-back position for England, given the injuries to Luke Shaw and Lewis Hall. Keown believes that Lewis-Skelly’s strength and power make him a suitable candidate for the national team.
While Keown’s concerns about Nwaneri’s readiness are valid, it is clear that the young midfielder has a bright future ahead of him. His performances for Arsenal have already caught the attention of football fans and pundits, and with careful management, he could become a key player for both club and country in the years to come.
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