Ian Wright Urges Mikel Arteta to Give Ethan Nwaneri More Playing Time at Arsenal
In a recent appeal, Arsenal legend Ian Wright has called upon the club’s head coach, Mikel Arteta, to provide 17-year-old midfielder Ethan Nwaneri with more opportunities to showcase his skills on the field. Wright’s comments come as Arsenal navigates a crucial period in the season, with captain Martin Odegaard currently sidelined due to injury.
Nwaneri’s recent appearances have been limited, with the youngster featuring as a substitute in the Gunners’ 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League, but missing out on the starting lineup for the Champions League 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk. Wright believes that, particularly in the absence of Odegaard, Nwaneri’s skills could prove invaluable to the team.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Wright emphasized Nwaneri’s ability to create scoring opportunities, stating, “You know what I think with Odegaard missing as well, when I saw Merino, Partey, and Rice, I was thinking, listen, Nwaneri the youngster. Against Bournemouth, if you have got those two as a double pivot, whether it’s Declan and Merino, I think you need somebody like Nwaneri – who can create something. Because I think that’s what is majorly missing. Somebody needs to beat someone.”
Wright’s comments highlight the pressing need for Arsenal to unlock its creative potential, particularly in midfield. With Nwaneri’s skills waiting to be unleashed, it remains to be seen whether Arteta will heed Wright’s advice and provide the young midfielder with more playing time. As the season unfolds, Nwaneri’s development could play a pivotal role in Arsenal’s success.
In the eyes of fans and pundits alike, the return of Odegaard will undoubtedly be a welcome boost. However, in the meantime, Wright’s call to action serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for growth. As the pressure mounts on Arteta to deliver results, the integration of Nwaneri into the starting lineup could prove a shrewd move in the pursuit of victory.
Ultimately, only time will tell if Wright’s words will have an impact on Arteta’s strategy, but one thing is certain – the potential of Ethan Nwaneri is undeniable, and his future at Arsenal hangs precariously in the balance.
