Rio Ferdinand urges Mikel Arteta to trust Arsenal youngster with more time | OneFootball

Rio Ferdinand has praised Arsenal’s young talent Ethan Nwaneri and believes the 17-year-old deserves more playing time after his impressive cameo against Inter Milan in the Champions League. Nwaneri, already a promising prospect within Arsenal’s academy, was brought on late in the game as Mikel Arteta looked for ways to change the match’s momentum. Although Arsenal ultimately couldn’t secure a goal, Nwaneri made an impact in his brief time on the pitch, showcasing his skill and creativity.

This season, Nwaneri has featured mainly in Carabao Cup matches, where he has shown glimpses of his potential. However, his performance against a high-calibre team like Inter Milan suggests he’s ready for greater challenges. Arteta’s decision to bring him on in a crucial Champions League match shows the manager’s faith in the youngster’s abilities and his belief that Nwaneri could contribute meaningfully at the top level.

Ferdinand, speaking on Football365, highlighted Nwaneri’s potential and the unique skill set he brings to the team. “Ethan Nwaneri came on today and showed flashes,” Ferdinand said. “You go, ‘you know what, are they going to give him a little bit more time, a little bit more responsibility?’ Because he seems to have that little bit of imagination to unlock things when it’s tight.”

Despite the enthusiasm for Nwaneri’s talent, Ferdinand also pointed out an issue with Arsenal’s current attacking approach, questioning whether the team is effectively utilising players in forward positions. “Far too often it was the ball slung into the box without any real idea,” Ferdinand observed, noting that while Nwaneri’s creative spark is valuable, Arsenal needs to complement it with a cohesive strategy in the final third.

Nwaneri’s development will need careful management to avoid overwhelming him with pressure. As much as his exciting performances suggest he’s ready for more game time, Arsenal must balance his growth with the needs of the team. A cautious approach, gradually increasing his role in competitive matches, could provide Nwaneri with the right environment to grow while still allowing him to make meaningful contributions on the pitch. Given Arsenal’s current struggle to find the back of the net, Nwaneri’s imagination and playmaking could be a valuable asset, provided he’s used wisely.

Ultimately, Nwaneri’s recent performances have been a bright spot for Arsenal, and as Ferdinand points out, he could offer the creativity Arsenal needs in tough games. However, the club must ensure they strike the right balance between giving him opportunities and protecting his development, allowing him to flourish without placing too much responsibility on his young shoulders.

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