Roberto De Zerbi Tips Ethan Nwaneri as Future ‘Top Player’ After Dream Marseille Debut

Roberto De Zerbi Ethan Nwaneri praise after Arsenal loanee scores on Marseille debut.

Roberto De Zerbi hailed Ethan Nwaneri after the Arsenal teenager made a sensational start to life in France, marking his Marseille debut with a superb goal against Lens.

The 18-year-old midfielder, on a season-long loan from Arsenal, came off the bench and needed only minutes to announce himself, scoring in a 3–1 Ligue 1 victory at the Stade Vélodrome. His strike doubled Marseille’s lead after Amine Gouiri had opened the scoring.De Zerbi delivers bold verdict on Arsenal loanee

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Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi did not hide his admiration for Nwaneri after the final whistle.

“I am adamant he will become a top player,” De Zerbi said.
“If you are good enough to play, you play — age doesn’t matter.”

The Italian coach, renowned for developing young talent, trusted Nwaneri almost immediately despite the loan move being completed only recently. Nwaneri rewarded that decision with a confident, mature performance well beyond his years.

A dream Ligue 1 debut for Ethan Nwaneri

Nwaneri entered the match as a substitute and scored within 13 minutes, dancing past defenders before calmly slotting the ball into the corner.

The goal showcased his close control, balance, and composure — qualities Arsenal fans have seen glimpses of since his historic Premier League debut at just 15 years old in 2022. His immediate impact has already sparked talk of a bigger role under De Zerbi as the season progresses.

Arsenal sanctioned the loan to provide Nwaneri with regular senior football in a competitive environment.

The deal allows the midfielder to develop under De Zerbi, while at the same time Marseille benefit from added creativity and depth as they push for a strong Ligue 1 finish and potential European qualification. Moreover, reports suggest Arsenal negotiated a loan fee, underlining how highly the club rates the teenager’s long-term potential.

Meanwhile, clips of Nwaneri’s goal quickly spread across social media, with supporters praising his confidence and technical quality.

In addition, many Arsenal fans welcomed the early success, viewing the Marseille loan as the perfect platform for Nwaneri to accelerate his development without the pressure of immediate expectations at the Emirates Stadium.

What this means for Nwaneri and Arsenal

Furthermore, De Zerbi’s glowing assessment strengthens the belief that Nwaneri is destined for the top level. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, the early signs show the loan move is already paying off. Consequently, if Nwaneri continues to deliver in Ligue 1, he could return next season ready to compete for a regular place in Arteta’s squad rather than serve only as a long-term prospect.

Finally, with confidence high and momentum building, Ethan Nwaneri now has the stage — and the backing — to turn promise into consistent elite performance.”

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