Arsenal news: Nwaneri performance leads to comparisons with Messi

Ethan Nwaneri continued to show his huge potential with another excellent display in Arsenal’s win over Leicester.

The 17-year-old is having his breakthrough season for Arsenal and has deputised for the injured Bukayo Saka on the right side of Arsenal’s attack.

He has scored seven goals so far this season in 24 appearances in all competitions.

Nwaneri started the match with Leicester, the first match Arsenal played following the season ending injury to Kai Havertz and was Arsenal’s most creative outlet.

He clipped the bar and hit the post with shots in the second half before crossing excellently for Mikel Merino to open the scoring.

That lead to former England forward Joe Cole working as a pundit on TNT Sport comparing Nwaneri to Lionel Messi after his game changing performance.

“These little touches in and around the box – I don’t even want to say it, but it’s like Lionel Messi.” Cole said.

“I don’t want to put any more pressure on him, but the touches off the back foot entices the defender, then the touch off the toe to send him off balance. He plays with such confidence, a beautiful player.”