PL Youngest Debutant Nwaneri Names Man City Star as His Idol
Arsenal prodigy Ethan Nwaneri has shared that Manchester City’s star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was his inspiration growing up. Despite not officially being promoted to Arsenal’s first team for the 2024-2025 season, Nwaneri has been training with the senior squad since pre season and has participated in high profile friendlies against teams such as Manchester United, Liverpool, and Bayer Leverkusen.
Nwaneri, a product of Arsenal’s renowned Hale End Academy, confessed that he admired De Bruyne’s playing style, particularly his exceptional passing ability. While Arsenal’s academy has produced notable midfielders like Jack Wilshere, Emile Smith Rowe, and Nathan Tella, Nwaneri has been looking up to De Bruyne since the Belgian joined Manchester City in 2015. De Bruyne, who has recorded 112 assists for City, is widely regarded for his creative playmaking, a skill Nwaneri hopes to emulate.
During a conversation with Arsenal’s captain, Martin Ødegaard, Nwaneri revealed, "Growing up, my idol was definitely De Bruyne. His passing style stood out to me, and I always tried to mimic what he did."
In September 2022, at just 15 years and 181 days old, Nwaneri made history by becoming the youngest player to debut in the Premier League, coming off the bench in Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Brentford. Reflecting on his debut, Nwaneri recalled the overwhelming emotions of that moment, saying, "I didn’t know what to think. It all happened so quickly, but I think I handled it well."
Editorial
It’s always inspiring to see young players like Ethan Nwaneri aspire to greatness by modelling themselves after football legends.
Arsenal prodigy Ethan Nwaneri has shared that Manchester City’s star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was his inspiration growing up. Despite not officially being promoted to Arsenal’s first team for the 2024-2025 season, Nwaneri has been training with the senior squad since pre season and has participated in high profile friendlies against teams such as Manchester United, Liverpool, and Bayer Leverkusen.
Nwaneri, a product of Arsenal’s renowned Hale End Academy, confessed that he admired De Bruyne’s playing style, particularly his exceptional passing ability. While Arsenal’s academy has produced notable midfielders like Jack Wilshere, Emile Smith Rowe, and Nathan Tella, Nwaneri has been looking up to De Bruyne since the Belgian joined Manchester City in 2015. De Bruyne, who has recorded 112 assists for City, is widely regarded for his creative playmaking, a skill Nwaneri hopes to emulate.
During a conversation with Arsenal’s captain, Martin Ødegaard, Nwaneri revealed, "Growing up, my idol was definitely De Bruyne. His passing style stood out to me, and I always tried to mimic what he did."
In September 2022, at just 15 years and 181 days old, Nwaneri made history by becoming the youngest player to debut in the Premier League, coming off the bench in Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Brentford. Reflecting on his debut, Nwaneri recalled the overwhelming emotions of that moment, saying, "I didn’t know what to think. It all happened so quickly, but I think I handled it well."
Editorial
It’s always inspiring to see young players like Ethan Nwaneri aspire to greatness by modelling themselves after football legends.