EINDHOVEN — A Proud Legacy
Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, expressed a sense of pride when reflecting on his potential to represent England, had it not been for a technicality. Although he never earned a cap for his native Spain, he was approached to join the England squad in 2010 after acquiring British citizenship during his time at Everton. Unfortunately, his previous appearances for the Spain Under-21 team prevented him from making the switch. Nevertheless, Arteta has since embraced life in England, playing for both Everton and Arsenal, coaching at Manchester City, and now leading the Gunners.
On Tuesday night, two of his promising young talents showcased their skills, suggesting that Arteta is crafting a legacy that could make England immensely proud. Seventeen-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made headlines by being named on the team sheet, joining the ranks of Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham as one of only three English players to start a Champions League knockout game before turning 18. Within just 21 minutes against PSV Eindhoven, Nwaneri etched his name on the scoresheet, making him the third youngest player to score in the knockout stages of this prestigious competition, regardless of nationality. After a shaky first half for Arsenal, Nwaneri turned the tide with a brilliant assist for his team’s fourth goal, showcasing his flair with a “nice little stepover” as described by Daniel Sturridge on Amazon Prime Video. Tyrell Malacia, the Manchester United loanee, found himself unable to contain Nwaneri’s brilliance.
On the opposite flank, Myles Lewis-Skelly also caught the eye during the match. The young left back, who can also operate in midfield, was instrumental in Arteta’s tactical setup. His ability to tuck in front of the defensive line during possession is crucial to Arsenal’s style of play. In one notable moment, Lewis-Skelly deftly evaded two PSV players and found Leandro Trossard in open space, leading to Arsenal’s opening goal. He later made a forward run into the box, underlapping like a classic full-back, and assisted Nwaneri for a well-taken first-time finish.
However, Lewis-Skelly’s night was not without its challenges. Just two minutes after his assist, he received a yellow card for a foul on Luuk de Jong, halting a promising PSV attack. He was fortunate not to be shown a second yellow after a late challenge on Richard Ledezma. Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg noted that the referee deemed it a careless challenge, but it could have easily been a second caution had Lewis-Skelly not already been booked. Commentary from Alan Shearer and the PSV fans suggested discontent with the officiating, as they chanted “Uefa mafia.”
Recognizing the risk of a potential red card, Arteta opted to substitute Lewis-Skelly shortly thereafter. “He handled the situation really well,” remarked Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard. Arteta explained, “I didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks. The game can change in an instant. Experienced players know how to provoke a young player, and we must protect our talent.”
Such protection is vital for both players, Arsenal, and the future of England football. Talents like Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly are rare gems. Lewis-Skelly has faced his share of scrutiny, having been controversially sent off during a match against Wolves and rightfully dismissed against West Ham just over a week ago. Yet, Arteta’s confidence in him is evident, especially at a club where several players have departed due to frustration over a lack of first-team opportunities. Even as Arsenal defends a 7-1 lead next week, many anticipate that Arteta will not hesitate to give valuable minutes to young talents, with Nwaneri being the notable exception.
Nwaneri made history by becoming the youngest player ever to debut in the Premier League at just 15 years old in September 2022. This achievement sparked a frenzy of excitement among fans, who eagerly called for Arteta to provide him with more playing time. However, the manager was cautious, limiting him to a single minute of action in his debut season and delaying his first start until January of this year, a decision influenced by injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka. “Even if Saka were here, Ethan would still be in and around the team because he trains exceptionally well and possesses incredible talent,” said Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice after the game.
Rice continued, “He is just 17 years old, competing on the biggest stage in football. It’s remarkable.” He was quick to praise Lewis-Skelly as well, highlighting their shared potential. “Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly are unbelievable. They play with the confidence of players who have been in the game for years,” added Odegaard, who himself was a prodigy, becoming Norway’s youngest cap at 15 and Real Madrid’s youngest debutant shortly thereafter. “They possess immense quality and confidence. I have no worries about them.”
Wayne Rooney, the former England captain, also lauded Nwaneri’s performance, stating, “He was incredible. At 17 years of age, to step up in the knockout stage of the Champions League and display his flair, ability, and willingness to shoot was fantastic.” As Nwaneri approaches his 18th birthday in just two weeks, he finds himself surrounded by acclaim and attention. While such early fame can be challenging, Arteta’s guidance offers hope that he will navigate this path with success.
