Arsenal record breaker sends message to Mikel Arteta with the ‘next Phil Foden’ a potential wildcard to face Palace
ARSENAL’S youngest ever player is tipped to give Mikel Arteta a selection problem – starting at Crystal Palace on Monday.
Ethan Nwaneri, 16, strengthened his reputation as a potential “new Phil Foden” with a hat-trick for the Gunners‘ Under-21s on Friday night.
And Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand is among pundits tipping the Londoner for greatness.
Emirates boss Arteta watched Nwaneri dominate in Friday’s 4-1 win for the junior Gunners over Leicester City.
The England Under-17 midfielder made history aged 15 by facing Brentford in the Premier League 11 months ago.
And although Arsenal are well stocked with creative talent, Nwaneri could soon be pressing for a first-team squad place.
As early as last year Ferdinand told his FIVE YouTube channel: “There’s no doubting this kid’s ability.
“I’ve heard from coaches that are at the club and from various different people in the game at that level that there aren’t many 15-year-olds in the last 10 or so years that have got the ability that this guy’s shown on a consistent basis.
“We are talking the Fodens of this world. At 15, he’s at a similar level they’re talking.”
Nwaneri sparked Arsenal’s comeback victory over the Foxes by smashing a close-range equaliser in first-half stoppage time to cancel out Tom Wilson Brown’s opener.
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Leicester skipper Paul Appiah then saw red for tripping goalbound Khayon Edwards.
And as the Gunners swarmed forward, Nwaneri headed off the bar before tapping the home side in front.
James Sweet fired the goal of the game to make it 3-1 before Nwaneri rounded off his treble.
Now the teen hero is dreaming of a squad place for Monday’s Premier League clash at Palace.
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