Mikel Merino heaped praise on Ethan Nwaneri following Arsenal’s thrilling 3-1 victory over Brentford. The Spanish midfielder hailed the 17-year-old as an “unbelievable” player with immense potential.
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Nwaneri made history in September 2022 as the youngest Premier League player ever, debuting at just 15 years and 181 days. Returning to Brentford for his full Premier League debut on New Year’s Day, he delivered an exceptional performance that helped Arsenal reduce Liverpool’s lead at the top to six points.
While Nwaneri’s display was remarkable, Gabriel Jesus stole the spotlight with his sixth goal in four matches, continuing his outstanding form.
“He’s an incredible player and such a nice, shy guy,” said Merino, who scored Arsenal’s second goal. “He’s always eager to learn and listens to the experienced players and coach. He constantly looks for ways to improve.”
Merino also highlighted Arsenal’s thriving academy system. “The young players coming through are amazing. At their age, I was still a kid, but they’re competing against Europe’s best without fear. We must protect them because their future is incredibly bright.”
Reflecting on the victory, Merino described it as an ideal way to kick off the new year. “Winning at such a tough venue, especially after conceding early, was huge for us. We’re thrilled with how we performed and hope to build on this momentum.”
Merino stressed the importance of focusing on Arsenal’s own performance instead of external factors. “The key is to focus on what we can control—our effort and improvement. If we do that, good things will follow,” he said.
Arsenal’s success also underscored their strength in set-pieces, with Merino’s goal stemming from a well-practiced corner. “Set-pieces are crucial in modern football. We train hard on them, and it shows. Both offensively and defensively, we’re becoming a big threat.”
The midfielder explained the emotional significance behind his celebration, a tribute to his father. “It’s something I’ve been doing for years. My dad, also a footballer, used to do it for my grandma. It’s my way of honoring him and showing my love and respect.”
Arsenal’s victory was a testament to their resilience, skill, and blend of youthful talent and experience, setting the tone for a promising year ahead.