Jorginho praises Nwaneri ahead of Atalanta-Arsenal clash | OneFootball

Jorginho has praised Ethan Nwaneri as the youth midfielder prepares to feature in Arsenal’s squad against Atalanta on Thursday night.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal runs with the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Emirates Stadium on August 07, 2024. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Arsenal 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made his first senior appearance of the new season as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, coming on late to help secure a 1-0 win.

It was a positive cameo from the youngster, and Mikel Arteta has rewarded him with another call-up to Thursday’s Champions League squad away to Atalanta.

It’s not clear yet whether or not Nwaneri will be involved on the pitch, but he’s travelled to Italy, and he should at least make the bench.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 15, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Speaking about the teenager in Arsenal’s pre-match press conference, fellow midfielder Jorginho gave his assessment of the England u19 international.

“He’s growing a lot and he’s improving every single day,” Jorginho said.

“He’s a talented player with good skills, he can dribble, he can break lines, he can find the goal and find the pass.

“I think he can have a good future in front of him if he stays the way he has been in training and trying to improve every day.”

LONDON, ENGLAND: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal is challenged by Timo Werner of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 15, 2024. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Nwaneri may end up with a more important role than he might have expected over the next few weeks, with Martin Odegaard ruled out through injury.

The plan was reportedly always to give Nwaneri more senior minutes this season. But given Arsenal’s limited midfield options, a more regular role looks likely for at least the next month.

It’s up to Nwaneri to take the chance and prove he deserves a more permanent spot in the squad even when the senior alternatives are all fit.