Nwaneri is not allowed in the senior dressing room and Mikel Arteta explains why.
Nwaneri gets ready away from his teammates
Ethan Nwaneri has to get ready in a different dressing room on match days. As per his manager Mikel Arteta, it is due to the safeguarding rules.
Under Arteta, the 17-year-old has become a important part of the team. He was also the part of 5-1 victory over Manchester City. Additionally. he also scored his seventh goal of the season on Sunday against City.
He has 14 Premier League appearances for the Gunners this season. The youngster made his debut at just 15. He has improved since then to sharp his abilities at a great pace.
His teammate and academy graduate, Myles Lewis-Skelly is also a part of the first team. Myles also scored against Man City on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta said that both teenagers are good friends and are close to each other in the team. He thinks that’s the reason they broke into the first team at the same time.
In addition, the manager thinks that his fellow academy mate is with him, that has helped Ethan Nwaneri more. They aren’t allowed to get ready in the same dressing room as his teammates on the match days.
The safeguarding rules means that players must be 18 or above to share a dressing room with the senior squad.
Arteta on Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly
Myles Lewis-Skelly has turned turn 18 in September. So he’ll be a part of the senior dressing room on match days. Although, Nwaneri’s dressing room will be different before joining with the group for the final team talk.
Arteta said: “When you see those two (Myles and Ethan) walking next to each other, talking to each other, there is a bond there and a chemistry there.
“I imagine for them it is special because at the moment they are still in different dresssing rooms (at the training ground).
“Ethan cannot be in our dressing room still, which is unbelievable. He needs to get dressed somewhere else, even on match day.
“So to have somebody close to him that has that trust, that confidence, that link, I think it is lucky. They are very lucky to have each other.”
The youngster performances at Arsenal so far
Ethan has been playing well for the first team since his senior career started. The right wing has not been a issue since he took that position for Arteta. He has already made his debut in the Premier League and Champions League. Giving some impressive performances in the Carabao Cup, he’s been a key part.
The goal scoring ability of his, has impressed everyone the most. He has found the back of the net in all of the three competitions this campaign. He surely proved hi ability to play at the highest level.
Ethan made the football world notice his talent with his amazing display against Girona in the Champions League. The youngster also scored a stunner from outside the box. He was named Man of the Match in that game. He continued his form with another goal against Pep Guardiola’s side on Sunday. Nwaneri had a great game at the Emirates stadium against the Premier League title holders.
The teenager’s great run of games has given Arteta some sigh of relief. With Bukayo Saka injured and the Gunners fighting for titles, Nwaneri’s rise has come at a vital point.
Author’s Opinion
Nwaneri will be eager to regularly perform for Arsenal at his best. The fact that he is not part of the same dressing room as his teammates, it is to follow the safeguarding rules.
However, Lewis-Skelly being there alongside him is very much helpful for the player as well as the head coach. Let’s hope these youngsters keep performing at their best and give inspiration to the upcoming youth.
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