“He’s a big talent” – Mikel Arteta praises Arsenal’s Nigeria-eligible midfield gem

Arsenal head coach, Mikel Arteta, has praised his side's teenage midfield sensation, Ethan Chidiebere Nwaneri, for his brilliant display against Preston North End in the EFL Cup last night, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 17-year-old midfielder became the youngest-ever player to debut in the English Premier League last season, but has seen his time on the pitch with the senior team increase this season.

Drafted into Arsenal's starting lineup for their trip to Deepdale to face Preston North End, Nwaneri repaid Arteta's trust by scoring a curler in the 33rd minute to double Arsenal's lead after Brazilian forward, Gabriel Jesus had broken the deadlock.

Ex-Chelsea man, Kai Havertz sealed Arsenal's qualification to the next round of the Carabao Cup in the 57th minute by scoring the game's third goal.

Speaking after the game, Mikel Arteta made mention of Nwaneri's impact on the game, and was in admiration of the young Englishman's talent.

“Ethan Nwaneri is showing every day what kind of skills he has. His teammates trust him, as they give him the ball and that's a great sign for him. He’s a big talent, right attitude. We have some player there, I'm sure of that,” the Spaniard said as revealed by Fabrizio Romano.

Ethan Nwaneri was born in London, England to parents with Nigerian roots, and is eligible to play for the Super Eagles. However it looks like he has his gaze fixed on a place with the English senior team as he's been playing for the three Lions from the U-16 stage.