Ethan Nwaneri may not have featured heavily for Arsenal this season, but his talent has never been in doubt. One aspect of his game, in particular, has caught the attention of teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly, who believes the young midfielder brings something instinctive to Arsenal’s attack.
With January approaching, a loan move looks increasingly likely for Nwaneri. At 18, regular minutes are crucial for his development, and opportunities at Arsenal have been limited so far. He has played just 165 Premier League minutes since the opening matchday, despite clearly impressing Mikel Arteta behind the scenes.
Letting a player of Nwaneri’s quality leave, even temporarily, would reduce Arsenal’s depth. However, ensuring he gets consistent game time is far more important at this stage of his career.
If you were Ethan Nwaneri, which league would you choose for a January loan and why? The Bundesliga, with clubs like Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig or Borussia Dortmund, could offer the perfect platform.
Lewis-Skelly Highlights Nwaneri’s Shooting Instinct
Having recently committed his future to Arsenal with a new contract, Nwaneri remains firmly part of the club’s long-term plans. One reason for that belief is a skill not every attacking midfielder possesses: a natural desire to shoot.
Speaking in a video for the FA Cup’s YouTube channel, Myles Lewis-Skelly pointed out exactly what sets Nwaneri apart.
“This is Ethan down to a tee,” Lewis-Skelly said. “That instinct around goal. When he sees the chance to shoot, he never hesitates. That’s something I really respect about him.”
Nwaneri’s confidence in front of goal has been evident for some time. Arsenal supporters saw it last season when he scored nine goals in his debut senior campaign, consistently showing composure and decisiveness in the box.
Having a number 10 who is always willing to take responsibility in shooting situations is a valuable weapon for any team. It also adds an interesting layer to Arteta’s selection choices in attacking midfield.
While Nwaneri currently sits low in the pecking order for the number 10 role, he possesses a quality that Arsenal’s captain could learn from.
Why Martin Odegaard Should Shoot More
One recurring theme in discussions around Arsenal’s attacking midfield options is goal threat, particularly when comparing Martin Odegaard to players like Eberechi Eze.
Eze’s recent hat-trick against Tottenham was a perfect example of what confidence and decisiveness in front of goal can produce. He showed no hesitation in shooting, something Arsenal fans would love to see more often from their skipper.
Statistically, the contrast is clear. Odegaard is averaging just one shot on target per Premier League game this season, according to Sofascore, while Eze is attempting 2.1 shots per match.
Arteta currently has two attacking midfielders who actively look to score, Nwaneri and Eze, and one who could arguably be more assertive in shooting positions. If Odegaard can rediscover the goalscoring form he showed during the 2022/23 season, there would be far less debate about Arsenal’s preferred option in the number 10 role.
