Ethan Nwaneri: Nwan Of Nwan

[RunTheTrap]

Black history month is in October last time I checked.

The American one is in February, hence why I referenced three US related entities.

 

[BigPoppaPump]

Maybe that’s more to do with pundits/rival fans but in here, I think it isn’t being done in bad faith. Why wouldn’t someone rate the best player at the club? All I see is people trying to find solutions to fit Saka & Nwaneri for the better of the team whilst others are assuming about their intentions.

This is why I get defensive over it though, you would usually ask for your best player to be moved from their best position.

I get that Nwaneri is a world class talent and people want him in the team but Saka is the starting RW if that’s where he’s best but I guess we’ll have to see.

 

[tap-in]

Personally, I feel that Nwaneri is showing the skill, class and composure to play as a 10, or in the middle with Rice & Ødegaard. Yes he’s great as RW but when Saka is back you move Nwaneri. You don’t move your most consistent player. Nwaneri is too good to be on the bench, it’s for Arteta to sort what’s best to ensure they both play.

 

[2Smokeyy]

This is why I get defensive over it though, you would usually ask for your best player to be moved from their best position.

I get that Nwaneri is a world class talent and people want him in the team but Saka is the starting RW if that’s where he’s best but I guess we’ll have to see.

Saka would cook regardless of whether he plays on the LW, RW or centrally imo that’s why I don’t even think it’s that deep. My thinking is more to do with fitting Nwaneri, MLS and Saka all in the starting XI - I very much doubt Teta will put MLS & Nwaneri on the same flank without an established player in there.

 

[Trilly]

Maybe that’s more to do with pundits/rival fans but in here, I think it isn’t being done in bad faith. Why wouldn’t someone rate the best player at the club? All I see is people trying to find solutions to fit Saka & Nwaneri for the better of the team whilst others are assuming about their intentions.

If Saka had remained on the LW I believe people would have his crossing in the elite tier with players like KDB and Trent at this point. He’s learned to be a good shooter but he’s always been an excellent crosser of the ball. Some players just have a natural feel for it.

Ethan looks to be a natural shooter in a way that Saka is a natural crosser, if you extrapolate it could be scary. We all acknowledge our LW is a weakness and we all acknowledge that Saka is quality in almost any position. Moving the more adaptable player to a position where he can make better use of his best attribute isn’t some insult.

Why not put the natural shooter on the right and the natural crosser on the left? It’s simple stuff, they can interchange in game as well so this is all really arguing over nothing.

 

[MutableEarth]

Personally, I feel that Nwaneri is showing the skill, class and composure to play as a 10, or in the middle with Rice & Ødegaard. Yes he’s great as RW but when Saka is back you move Nwaneri. You don’t move your most consistent player. Nwaneri is too good to be on the bench, it’s for Arteta to sort what’s best to ensure they both play.

This represents my feeling on the matter.

Ultimately, Ethan will end up central. I also think people are severely underestimating his creative potential, especially after the comments I've seen on Wenger's assessment of Nwaneri. He doesn't play the role the exact way Ødegaard plays it but he certainly has the capability to play as the main offensive midfielder and create chances as much as he scores them. I think false 9 is still a really good use of his potential but midfield is still somewhere that Nwaneri has a sky high ceiling.

Ødegaard is a great player but his interpretation of the role Arteta has given him is specific and over the course of the season we have seen the limitations of said role. That Ethan isn't currently playing that role as well Ode doesn't mean that he[Ethan] can't play central or that he's ultimately wedded to being a forward just because he also happens to shoot real good. The same arguments we're all using regarding Saka being able to cook all over the pitch, we could use the same arguments currently for Ethan. That said, I don't think either player especially should be playing the LW role in our team. The entire point of bringing in another forward is to take attention away from the likes of Saka/Nwaneri/Ode on that side of the pitch, not simply move it somewhere else. Balance must be achieved. Saka LW could work really well, but the smarter thing to do would be to just sign a LW who can also dribble.

 

[MutableEarth]

If Saka had remained on the LW I believe people would have his crossing in the elite tier with players like KDB and Trent at this point. He’s learned to be a good shooter but he’s always been an excellent crosser of the ball. Some players just have a natural feel for it.

Ethan looks to be a natural shooter in a way that Saka is a natural crosser, if you extrapolate it could be scary. We all acknowledge our LW is a weakness and we all acknowledge that Saka is quality in almost any position. Moving the more adaptable player to a position where he can make better use of his best attribute isn’t some insult.

Why not put the natural shooter on the right and the natural crosser on the left? It’s simple stuff, they can interchange in game as well so this is all really arguing over nothing.

I should point out, I don't really disagree with this view too tough. Would I move Saka? No, not really. I don't think we need to - he's carved out a role that is essential for the team. Would it be a bad idea? Also no. Saka is elite. He'd be just as good on the LW as he'd be on the RW in my opinion. I think the person it actually limits is Nwaneri. I don't see his future being RW long term. It's good short term use but I think it's better that he rotates in the RW AND the RCM roles rather than getting Saka minutes. But there's more than one way to feed a cat.

As I said in my post above, the ultimate best move is simply not to move any of these guys and sign a LW - or promote somebody early.

 

[freeglennhelder2]

The internet is a toxic place for football fans, doubly so for Arsenal fans.

Every time I see something on social media about Nwaneri, Im looking for the usual trolling from other fans in the comments. More often than not, there's absolutely nothing. Its crazy.

 

[tap-in]

This represents my feeling on the matter.

Ultimately, Ethan will end up central. I also think people are severely underestimating his creative potential, especially after the comments I've seen on Wenger's assessment of Nwaneri. He doesn't play the role the exact way Ødegaard plays it but he certainly has the capability to play as the main offensive midfielder and create chances as much as he scores them. I think false 9 is still a really good use of his potential but midfield is still somewhere that Nwaneri has a sky high ceiling.

Ødegaard is a great player but his interpretation of the role Arteta has given him is specific and over the course of the season we have seen the limitations of said role. That Ethan isn't currently playing that role as well Ode doesn't mean that he[Ethan] can't play central or that he's ultimately wedded to being a forward just because he also happens to shoot real good. The same arguments we're all using regarding Saka being able to cook all over the pitch, we could use the same arguments currently for Ethan. That said, I don't think either player especially should be playing the LW role in our team. The entire point of bringing in another forward is to take attention away from the likes of Saka/Nwaneri/Ode on that side of the pitch, not simply move it somewhere else. Balance must be achieved. Saka LW could work really well, but the smarter thing to do would be to just sign a LW who can also dribble.

I agree, in time definitely central. Wenger likened Nwaneri to Fabregas, I think they definitely have similarities. I also agree with your comment about neither Nwaneri or Saka playing LW. I like a left footed player at RW as they are a goal threat and can assist. At LW a left footer is largely there to assist.

Not sure what’s happening to Ødegaard. He’s not as effective as last season. Maybe he’s just missing Saka, they link up so well.

 

[Bloodbather]

This represents my feeling on the matter.

Ultimately, Ethan will end up central. I also think people are severely underestimating his creative potential, especially after the comments I've seen on Wenger's assessment of Nwaneri. He doesn't play the role the exact way Ødegaard plays it but he certainly has the capability to play as the main offensive midfielder and create chances as much as he scores them. I think false 9 is still a really good use of his potential but midfield is still somewhere that Nwaneri has a sky high ceiling.

Ødegaard is a great player but his interpretation of the role Arteta has given him is specific and over the course of the season we have seen the limitations of said role. That Ethan isn't currently playing that role as well Ode doesn't mean that he[Ethan] can't play central or that he's ultimately wedded to being a forward just because he also happens to shoot real good. The same arguments we're all using regarding Saka being able to cook all over the pitch, we could use the same arguments currently for Ethan. That said, I don't think either player especially should be playing the LW role in our team. The entire point of bringing in another forward is to take attention away from the likes of Saka/Nwaneri/Ode on that side of the pitch, not simply move it somewhere else. Balance must be achieved. Saka LW could work really well, but the smarter thing to do would be to just sign a LW who can also dribble.

You can do a lot of creating from RW though, Saka is evidence of that. Not like Nwaneri is going to be turned into Martinelli all of a sudden.

Nwaneri playing on the right also facilitates MLS playing in midfield, that's another thing to think about. Rice and Ødegaard are fixtures of the starting lineup for the foreseable future, so it's a way to fit both MLS and Nwaneri into the lineup without making MLS play LB.

 

[Trilly]

The internet is a toxic place for football fans, doubly so for Arsenal fans.

Every time I see something on social media about Nwaneri, Im looking for the usual trolling from other fans in the comments. More often than not, there's absolutely nothing. Its crazy.

He’s got them shook!

Reminds me of when Greenwood was coming through for United and I was worried, the universe fixed that problem though.

 

[Trilly]

I should point out, I don't really disagree with this view too tough. Would I move Saka? No, not really. I don't think we need to - he's carved out a role that is essential for the team. Would it be a bad idea? Also no. Saka is elite. He'd be just as good on the LW as he'd be on the RW in my opinion. I think the person it actually limits is Nwaneri. I don't see his future being RW long term. It's good short term use but I think it's better that he rotates in the RW AND the RCM roles rather than getting Saka minutes. But there's more than one way to feed a cat.

As I said in my post above, the ultimate best move is simply not to move any of these guys and sign a LW - or promote somebody early.

Yeah I don’t even view this as a permanent move, more something to do in the meantime without changing the system too much.

I don’t see the creative side in Ethan’s game just yet. E.g. he probably should have passed to Rice when he hit the bar with that ridiculous effort. That’s the only reason I’m really focusing on the RW for now because as Wenger said he looks to be super direct at this stage of his career.

But he is 17, guy is a baby and I wouldn’t write him off in any attacking position. Definitely has the talent to be an elite creator, does he have the instincts though? You’d know better than me as you’ve watched him for much longer.

 

[Mitch]

Sums up my opinion.

 

[Buhry]

He’s got them shook!

Reminds me of when Greenwood was coming through for United and I was worried, the universe fixed that problem though.

That guy seems to really be cooking in the french league now. United fans lamenting their misfortune I'm sure. Especially considering basically all their forwards are crap

 

[Blood on the Tracks]

I put it this way, does anyone disagree that Saka on the RW has been our best attacking player in recent years?

I'd be shocked if anyone disputed that.

Does anyone disagree that to make the best team you play your best players in their best / most comfortable position?

I don't understand why anyone would dispute that.

Great players shouldn't be the victims of their own versatility. We've seen it with England. Saka gets moved around because he can play other positions to make room for less versatile players. Honestly I hate it, just because someone can do something, why should they? He's a better RW than anyone else in England so just play him there.

We've got a 9/10 RW'er here just let him cook as he is. Nwaneri will still get plenty of minutes.

 

[Trilly]

Does anyone disagree that to make the best team you play your best players in their best / most comfortable position?

Just like we did with Rice, Timber and Ben White?

Like Bayern have done with the likes of Muller, Kimmich and Kroos or like Madrid do with Vini, Jude and Mbappe? Like Barca and Argentina did with the GOAT Messi?

Your statement is opposite to the idiom of there being no “I in Team” tbh.

So yeah I strongly disagree because it’s genetic advice that doesn’t work in real life. Typical Brexit/Tesco Meal Deal type posting from you.

 

[Gooner Zig]

If we're going to move a player to fit Ethan in, I'm looking at moving Ødegaard to LCM wayyyy before I'm moving Saka from RW.

 

[Blood on the Tracks]

Just like we did with Rice, Timber and Ben White?

Like Bayern have done with the likes of Muller, Kimmich and Kroos or like Madrid do with Vini, Jude and Mbappe? Like Barca and Argentina did with the GOAT Messi?

Your statement is opposite to the idiom of there being no “I in Team” tbh.

So yeah I strongly disagree because it’s genetic advice that doesn’t work in real life. Typical Brexit/Tesco Meal Deal type posting from you.

You think I'm being old fashioned which is fair enough but viewing the credit in the bank of players and what they've proven for us over time shouldn't be discounted either.

I'm not saying Saka couldn't play on the left wing, he'd likely still be our best player but you're taking away elements of his game. He's not super pacey and his instinct is to cut inside, you're taking that away from him on the left.

None of this is a knock on Nwaneri he's been excellent for us this season for the most part but I wouldn't be moving Saka to accommodate such a young player with so little experience.

When Saka came in he was a fill in player, FB, on the left etc. I'm not saying Nwaneri should be playing FB but he can fill in in attacking while he really learns his trade and we can hopefully manage his minutes better than we did with Saka at the same age.

I'm more than happy to have an avatar bet with you because I'm certain that Saka will come back and immediately stroll back in on the RW and won't lose that place to Ethan or anyone else in the short to middle term.

 

[Jamie99]

This represents my feeling on the matter.

Ultimately, Ethan will end up central. I also think people are severely underestimating his creative potential, especially after the comments I've seen on Wenger's assessment of Nwaneri. He doesn't play the role the exact way Ødegaard plays it but he certainly has the capability to play as the main offensive midfielder and create chances as much as he scores them. I think false 9 is still a really good use of his potential but midfield is still somewhere that Nwaneri has a sky high ceiling.

Ødegaard is a great player but his interpretation of the role Arteta has given him is specific and over the course of the season we have seen the limitations of said role. That Ethan isn't currently playing that role as well Ode doesn't mean that he[Ethan] can't play central or that he's ultimately wedded to being a forward just because he also happens to shoot real good. The same arguments we're all using regarding Saka being able to cook all over the pitch, we could use the same arguments currently for Ethan. That said, I don't think either player especially should be playing the LW role in our team. The entire point of bringing in another forward is to take attention away from the likes of Saka/Nwaneri/Ode on that side of the pitch, not simply move it somewhere else. Balance must be achieved. Saka LW could work really well, but the smarter thing to do would be to just sign a LW who can also dribble.

I second this thought of him settling for a central/RCM role. I just finished watching his compilation video again and I think Ethan naturally relishes taking on players while heading to goal. It's a natural flair for him, just like Messi used to. And he's got an eye for a pass. Then he's got a very well measured shot.

In short he's the truth.

 

[Trilly]

You think I'm being old fashioned which is fair enough but viewing the credit in the bank of players and what they've proven for us over time shouldn't be discounted either.

I'm not saying Saka couldn't play on the left wing, he'd likely still be our best player but you're taking away elements of his game. He's not super pacey and his instinct is to cut inside, you're taking that away from him on the left.

None of this is a knock on Nwaneri he's been excellent for us this season for the most part but I wouldn't be moving Saka to accommodate such a young player with so little experience.

When Saka came in he was a fill in player, FB, on the left etc. I'm not saying Nwaneri should be playing FB but he can fill in in attacking while he really learns his trade and we can hopefully manage his minutes better than we did with Saka at the same age.

I'm more than happy to have an avatar bet with you because I'm certain that Saka will come back and immediately stroll back in on the RW and won't lose that place to Ethan or anyone else in the short to middle term.

Your thinking directly contradicts the manager who you rate so highly. Mikel moved Auba to LW to accomodate Laca for the betterment of the team even though Auba had all the credit in the bank, broke numerous records for us and was our star man. Won us the FA cup with this approach too.

It can happen if the manager decides that's what's best for the team. I have no interest in an avatar bet with you, it kind of just shows that you're not really getting what I and others are saying. I don't think anybody wants Saka moving this season.

Saka being moved is with regards to a hypothetical scenario where Ethan establishes himself as someone who needs to be starting games even with everybody fit. Even in a best-case scenario, that wouldn't happen until 2026.