Sponsored by. PUNDITS have been left raving about Ethan Nwaneri after his masterclass for Arsenal against Leicester. The 17-year-old bagged an assist as his side won 2-0 thanks to a brace from sub Mikel Merino. Nwaneri has now scored or assisted four Premier League goals before the age of 18. That puts him in an esteemed group alongside legends Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Cesc Fabregas. While during the game itself, Nwaneri controlled proceedings with four shots, six dribbles and 32 passes.
![[Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal celebrates scoring a goal.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/arsenals-ethan-nwaneri-celebrates-scoring-951597749.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
He even put in a strong defensive contribution with three successful tackles and 12 duels won. And now, pundits are lining up to sing Nwaneri’s praises. Perhaps the boldest comment came from Joe Cole, who compared the teenager to Lionel Messi. Cole said on TNT Sport: “These touches he produces, in and around the box, tiny little touches. “I don’t want to say it, but it’s like Messi. I’ve said it.
![[Lionel Messi waving to fans.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/10-lionel-messi-waves-fans-972102848.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS. “I don’t want to put any more pressure on his shoulders. I’m sure he’d deal with it.”. Meanwhile, Alan Shearer lauded Nwaneri’s masterclass on Match of the Day. The Newcastle icon said: “17 years of age… a potential superstar. He was, without doubt, the bright spark for Arsenal. “Even when things weren't going for them, which were large parts of the game, he was the one that was probing, he was the one putting crosses in and having pops at goal.
![[Joe Cole presenting for TNT Sports.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2024-joe-cole-presenting-tnt-933003501.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
“He [Nwaneri] just shifts the ball onto the left foot and he whips it in but Declan Rice can't quite get on the end of it. “Again, he gets the ball and works it onto his left foot. This time he cuts inside and has a pop at goal but hits the crossbar. “But he can and does also like to down that right-hand side. “If you show him too much room, if you invite him to go down there then that's fine, he will do that as well.
![[Alan Shearer at a Champions League match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2024-25-league-knockout-play-971234344.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
