Ethan Nwaneri scores his aim once more

Morning all.

I didn’t watch England play Latvia final evening, however Myles Lewis-Skelly began once more and by all accounts was good once more. Declan Rice obtained one other help, and so far as I can see each of them got here by means of final evening’s encounter with none damage points.

In the meantime, England U21s had been in motion in opposition to their Portuguese counterparts, and Ethan Nwaneri obtained himself on the scoresheet of their 4-2 win. It’s a aim you would possibly discover acquainted, as a result of it’s a aim he’s scored earlier than. Selecting up the ball, making area on that left foot to have a shot, and unleashing a wonderful end – watch right here.

When Mikel Arteta spoke about Nwaneri probably being a ‘9’ in a single his press conferences, I’m positive eyebrows had been raised. I do know mine had been a bit, however we should always in all probability have understood one thing from these feedback. Arteta is fairly measured about what he says, particularly in the case of younger gamers, so he wouldn’t have talked about that carelessly. I believe he was referring to how good a finisher he’s, and that probably opens the door for him to play in additional superior attacking positions.

He simply turned 18 final week, and in his first season with the senior crew he has 8 objectives to his identify. For England, throughout the U19s and now the U21s, he has one other 7 objectives beneath his belt, with a few assists within the combine too. I do know now we have to place these underage video games in that context, however that’s 15 objectives, and also you’d anticipate him so as to add to that tally between now and the top of the marketing campaign. Spectacular numbers for a participant of his age.

I don’t assume he’ll be a centre-forward, not in the intervening time anyway when the bodily profile of these gamers is so distinct from his, however what’s clear is that he’s a participant who you must get into these superior positions as a lot as attainable. That is the place I believe his evolution goes to be fascinating. Does he proceed as one of many entrance three, or are you able to drop him somewhat additional again and provides him licence to get ahead, thus including one other attacking menace from deep? Both manner, I believe it’s going to be enjoyable to look at as a result of that’s going to occur at Arsenal for essentially the most half.

Let’s return to Rice, who spoke about Arsenal’s younger expertise to BBC final evening. Having already sung the praises of MLS, on Nwaneri, he stated:

I can’t discuss extremely sufficient of Ethan as nicely. Simply wait till he hopefully will get into the crew, the lads get to see him, as a result of he’s a particular expertise.

After which there have been some phrases about Max Dowman, the following massive factor at Academy degree, and a participant many are enthusiastic about:

Max is the very best 15-year-old within the nation. I’ve had so many texts about Max just lately the place folks have watched him and stated: ‘Wow, what a expertise’. So he’s one to be careful for.

However I believe at 15 there may be nonetheless such a protracted approach to go. You will be the very best within the nation at 15, but it surely doesn’t essentially imply at 18 you will be. So it’s essential be hungry, maintain working, maintain pushing. I converse with Max quite a bit and he is aware of that. And he has obtained such household round him. He’s unreal.

That is one other actually fascinating one, as a result of Rice’s level about being the very best at 15 after which the place you is likely to be at 18 is spot on. There have been numerous younger gamers who’ve been tipped for the highest at that age, however haven’t fairly maintained that as they’ve older. Issues may even out in the case of bodily and psychological maturity, and the benefit you had is just not fairly there anymore. Then you must take care of the step as much as enjoying in opposition to grown males.

For me, that’s a giant a part of what has been so spectacular about Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly this season. Neither of them look misplaced, even for those who can see how they will nonetheless develop a bit at this degree. It’s good to know Dowman has an skilled participant like Rice offering recommendation, and hopefully the careers of the 2 gamers just a bit forward of him show the pathway is there at Arsenal if he maintains his growth and progress.

Elsewhere, Thomas Partey scored twice for Ghana, Jakub Kiwior performed the complete 90 in Poland’s 2-0 win over Malta, and our Interlull involvement ends right now when Martin Odegaard’s Norway tackle Israel. Hopefully he comes by means of that one with none issues.

Proper, I’ll go away it there for now. There’s a really Interlull Arsecast Additional under for those who haven’t had an opportunity to hear but. Take pleasure in!

Obtain – iTunes – Spotify – Acast – RSS