Ethan Nwaneri made his Arsenal debut aged 15 years, five months and 28 days back in 2022 during a 3-0 win over Brentford away from home.
Granit Xhaka was captaining Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side on that occasion, who won thanks to goals from William Saliba, Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira.
Arsenal were excellent against then Brentford goalkeeper David Raya that day, and Nwaneri played his first minutes for the club coming on in the 92nd minute.
At the time, Arteta’s decision was criticised by some pundits who couldn’t understand why Nwaneri was playing so early on, with some suggesting that he hadn’t earned that chance.
However, the Arsenal manager was clearly demonstrating to Nwaneri that he had exceptional faith in his ability, a youngster he wanted to keep incentivised.
🗣️ Arsène Wenger on Nwaneri:
"He's more of a creator through his final ball, his dribbling & quality of his passing.
Fabregas was very strong mentally but this boy looks as well & when I look at him, his maturity, it's difficult for me to think he’s 17 years old." 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RyXfyMStgM
— Le African Gooner (@leafricangooner) February 17, 2025
Granit Xhaka said Ethan Nwaneri was different to other Arsenal youngsters
