Ethan Nwaneri has been capturing headlines since his debut for Arsenal at just 15, setting records as the youngest player to appear in a Premier League match.
Now, at the age of 17, the youngster got his first start for Arsenal against Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup game during the week.
In a 5-1 win against Bolton, the young midfielder further solidified his reputation as a star in the making.
Nwaneri’s brace in that game, which came from an xG of 0.67, was a display of technical ability and maturity far beyond his years.
After this performance of his, twitter was quick to draw up comparisons with Norwegian Martin Odegaard. While there are similarities between the two, we believe there’s more differences than fans think there are.
Physicality
In the little time we’ve seen Nwaneri play at the big stage, it’s easy to see that that his physicality is a stand out at the age of 16.
The young English talent has a bigger build than Odegaard, while slightly shorter, he possesses more muscle than the Norwegian which allows him to win more duels, shield the ball and hold up play against grown men.
While stocky players are known to be slower, there’s no signs of lack of pace in Ethan Nwaneri who has the running power and acceleration- a physical robustness of sorts.
While we’re comparing Nwaneri to the mature Odegaard of today, in terms of physicality, Nwaneri at 16 is already ahead of where Odegaard was at the same age.
Odegaard was a thin and quick footed whereas Nwaneri is stockier and more built and quick footed at the same time, possessing qualities to become a midfield powerhouse.
Range of Motion
Nwaneri has the tendency to take the ball into central channels when he receives it out wide, but the truth is the midfielder is equally capable to take on a defender.
He has the ability to utilize his low centre of gravity and glid past defenders. He also remains calm when in possession in deeper areas, and uses his tight turning radius, and awareness to avoid being pressed.
Odegaard, is slightly more left footed when it comes to his dribbling movements. His body shape indicates an intention to move onto the left foot when there is more space on the right.
Even in the final third, the ball seems to stick Nwaneri’s feet and he has the capability to find players on either flanks from a central position. It’s not just his range of motion and dribbling but also his ability to pick out passes that makes him an up and coming star.
Directness of Play
Odegaard is a technical player, often connecting passes either in a deeper midfield position or even as a #10, he tends to look for the optimal pass rather than take the game on himself, a more refined, composed style of play.
Nwaneri on the other hand, is more direct with his playstyle. The youngster has the quick pass and move aspect as part of his game that most players who’ve come out Hale End have.
He doesn’t hesitate to drive forward with pace, taking on defenders and moving the ball up the pitch with purpose.
The ball, like established before, glides along with him and he often prefers to link up using quick passes often seeking to break lines quickly rather than patiently orchestrating play like Odegaard.
Releasing wingers quickly
So what becomes the result of Nwaneri’s style of football? His direct playstyle often results in wingers on either side being released beyond defensive lines quickly.
He picks the ball up on the right flank, moves central in a couple of touches and eventually either sprays the ball across switching flanks or releases is down the line for Saka.
Odegaard in a similar position, as #8 or #10 takes his time and tends to play short passes, not carrying the ball forward with his dribbling. When Nwaneri moves with the ball he threatens to break lines and create every time
Stockier James Rodriguez
While Martin Odegaard might be a slimmer comparison to Ethan Nwaneri, a comparison in similar size can be drawn to Colombian James Rodriguez.
Nwaneri has the same short and slightly muscular build like Rodriguez, but has that extra burst of pace despise his build.
He has a beautiful first touch, then the ability to turn and move out of tight spaces quickly much like Rodriguez. The only aspect of the game that is yet to develop fully for the youngster is his ball striking, which will come as he gets more gametime.
It’s not just fans that have been wowed by Nwaneri’s performance over the weekend in the 4-2 win against Leicester, even manager Arteta was chuffed with the youngster’s performance for Arsenal in his first start.
“Ethan Nwaneri came on & beat one, two, three players. I just love it. If you want to play here you need to play with that courage.”
These are all positive signs for the young midfielder and he’s sure to start making appearances in the first time more consistently, especially after what Arteta has said about him.
