Arsenal have some incredibly talented players within their academy, and one is standing out head and shoulders above the rest.
Midfielder Ethan Nwaneri is a player who has caught the eye, so much so that Mikel Arteta has already given him two Premier League appearances despite being just 17 years old.
Nwaneri is highly rated within the club, and the senior players are well aware of the incredible talent he possesses.
This is also translating to his National side, as England under-17s got their European Championship campaign off to a flying start with a 4-0 victory over France, and the Arsenal wonderkid played a huge part.
Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri scores in England under-17 victory over France
England produced an outstanding performance to beat France in their opening game of the tournament, and Nwaneri delivered a stunning individual performance.
The teenager helped create England’s third goal with a driving run eventually ending in a blocked shot, which was then converted by Port Vale starlet Baylee Dipepa.
The best moment came in the second half though, as Nwaneri made it 4-0 with a sensational strike.
Picking up the ball around 20 yards out, Nwaneri cut onto his stronger left foot, before unleashing a curling shot just below the top left corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
What next for Ethan Nwaneri and England at the under-17 Euros?
England’s dominant victory has set them up well in group D of the tournament, with fixtures against Portugal and Spain to come.
The tournament, which is being played in Cyprus, is an excellent chance for Nwaneri to build upon his outstanding season with the Arsenal under-21s.
In 20 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal Academy sides this season, Nwaneri has scored an astonishing 18 goals, whilst providing four assists.
If England go on to reach the latter stages of the tournament, it will be interesting to see how the youngster reacts to the extra pressures of knockout rounds, but his displays have shown that he is willing to take responsibility on the ball as one of the biggest talents in his age group.
It has been reported that he is set for more first-team chances under Arteta next season, and it seems that former prodigy Charlie Patino may now leave as Nwaneri’s development is prioritised.