Ethan Nwaneri has described as “surreal” his experience after delivering a sensational performance in Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition of Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.
The 17-year-old, who netted a brilliant brace, reflected on the magnitude of the moment, calling it something he had dreamed of for years. After scoring in both halves, the starlet beamed, “I just want more of it.”
The Gunners rising star stole the show on Wednesday night, delivering a Man of the Match performance.
Speaking after the game, Nwaneri, who could not contain his joy, said, “It’s a surreal feeling. It’s a feeling I’ve wanted to feel for almost 16 years of my life, so to actually feel it, it’s crazy.”
Arteta full of praise for rising star Nwaneri
Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Ethan Nwaneri’s performance.
The Spaniard acknowledged that the teenager's growth has been nothing short of extraordinary, and admitted the midfielder is already playing beyond what anyone had expected.
“You can tell that he's playing with that confidence, that belief and the understanding of what he needs to do on the pitch – so very impressed,” the Arsenal manager said.
According to Arteta, the teenager's performance not only spoke volumes of his current ability, but all but guaranteed more playing time moving forward.
“It’s another step; in his journey with the first-team he’s always ahead of what anyone expected and what I expected as well. He’s part of us so he will have the minutes.”
