One of many standout performers in Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers within the Carabao Cup on Wednesday was 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who scored twice, marking a major milestone in his burgeoning profession.
Nwaneri opened the scoring for Arsenal within the first half and later accomplished his brace, a lot to the delight of the Emirates crowd, who serenaded him with chants of “he’s one in every of our personal.”
Reflecting on his efficiency, Nwaneri expressed his pleasure, saying, “I’m buzzing. I’m so glad to have helped the staff undergo to the following spherical and I’m simply prepared for no matter’s subsequent.”
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta was equally happy with Nwaneri’s improvement.
“He’s enhancing every day. You may inform he’s taking part in with out strain, with confidence, and making choices that present the boy is prepared at this stage. Right this moment, he had a extremely robust efficiency, and I’m glad to see that,” Arteta stated.
Early Life and Membership Profession
Ethan Chidiebere Nwaneri was born on 21 March 2007 in Enfield, London. He attended St John’s Senior Faculty in Enfield and is of Igbo-Nigerian descent.
At simply 9 years outdated, he joined Arsenal’s academy, shortly making a reputation for himself. By the age of 14, Nwaneri was already taking part in for the membership’s under-18 facet, primarily as a midfielder.
He started the 2022–23 season with Arsenal’s under-18s however shortly progressed to the under-21 facet. His fast rise continued when, at simply 15 years and 181 days, Nwaneri made his Premier League debut on 18 September 2022, coming off the bench in opposition to Brentford. In doing so, he grew to become the youngest participant ever to look within the Premier League, breaking the earlier document held by Harvey Elliott.
In June 2023, Nwaneri agreed to a brand new take care of Arsenal, securing scholarship phrases with an expert contract lined up for his seventeenth birthday on 21 March 2024. His star continued to rise within the 2023–24 season as he made a substitute look in Arsenal’s 6-0 Premier League win over West Ham United.
On 25 September 2024, Nwaneri made headlines as soon as once more by scoring his first senior objectives, netting twice in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Bolton Wanderers within the EFL Cup.
Worldwide Profession
Nwaneri’s abilities haven’t gone unnoticed on the worldwide stage. After shining within the qualifiers, he was named in England’s squad for the 2023 UEFA European Beneath-17 Championship, scoring the winner of their opening match in opposition to Croatia.
He additionally represented England on the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, scoring of their group-stage win over New Caledonia.
Most lately, Nwaneri was referred to as up for the 2024 UEFA European Beneath-17 Championship, the place he continued his robust type, scoring within the opening sport in opposition to France and including one other objective in a group-stage win over Spain. His ultimate objective of the event got here in England’s quarter-final loss to Italy.
Model of Play
A flexible and attack-minded midfielder, Nwaneri is thought for his creativity and ability on the ball. He has been described as a participant who can function successfully as a “quantity 10” however is comfy in varied attacking roles.
His potential to dribble and contribute defensively makes him a worthwhile asset, whether or not taking part in centrally or in vast positions.
Together with his expertise and maturity, Ethan Nwaneri is undoubtedly one to look at as his soccer journey continues at Arsenal and past.