Arsenal sensation Ethan Nwaneri has been likened to Lionel Messi after the teenager put in another impressive performance in the Premier League.
The 17-year-old was his side’s best attacker against Leicester City on Saturday as they struggled to break down a stubborn Ruud van Nistelrooy team.
But Nwaneri played a key role in the Gunners’ 2-0 victory, providing a beautiful assist for Mikel Merino to break the deadlock in the 81st minute.
It was the latest moment in a tremendous breakout season for the youngster, who was making just his fourth start in the Premier League.
Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri compared to Lionel Messi
Former Chelsea and Liverpool player Joe Cole already sees shades of Messi in the precocious winger, praising his ability at such a young age.
“These little touches in and around the box – I don’t even want to say it, but it’s like Lionel Messi,” Cole told TNT Sports after the final whistle.
“I don’t want to put any more pressure on him, but the touches off the back foot entices the defender, then the touch off the toe to send him off balance. He plays with such confidence, a beautiful player.
“Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have to protect him, they would have liked him to only play 60, 70 minutes today.”
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Arsenal teammates Jurrien Timber and Merino also gushed about the England youth international in their post-match comments.
“You almost forget they are so young,” Timber said about Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. “They are amazing for that age. It’s from a different level and the sky’s the limit for them.”
Merino added: “He is an amazing player. Every time I do an interview you guys ask me about him.
“We have to keep the foot on the gas and if we keep doing this job then good things will come in the future.”
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