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Opinion
How Ethan Nwaneri and Phil Foden actually compare at 17 as Gabriel Jesus likens Arsenal No.53 to Man City star
Ethan Nwaneri has once again made headlines at Arsenal after a stunning display in the Carabao Cup.
The 17-year-old scored his third goal in just his second Carabao Cup outing of the 2024/25 campaign on Wednesday as Arsenal recorded a 3-0 win📖 over Preston, which booked the Gunners a quarter-final clash against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.
It was not just any goal either, as the teenager whipp🙈ed a stunning effort into the top left corner after a quick drop of the shoulder.
Gabriel Jesus even compared the England U19 international to Phil 𓄧Foden after the win, saying: “I saw people like Phil Foden waiting for his chance and then now, look at Phil. He is one of the best players in the world. So, I wish, I really wish, Ethan can keep his toes on the grass, work, and then it’s a question of time for him to shine.”
That spoke volumes, given the fact many regard the Manchester City No.47 as one of the best players in Europe, even more so after he ♒finished 11th in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
On that note, let’s take a look at how Ethan Nwaneri actually compares to Phil Foden – based on what the England international h♐imself had achieved by the a🔜ge of 17.
Comparing Ethan Nwaneri and Phil Foden
Nwaneri – who Perꦦ Mertes🔯acker likened to Martin Odegaard – i🌠s currently 17 years, seven months and ten days old.
At onl⛎y 15 years, five months and 28 days of age, the wonderkid from Enfield became the youngest player in Premier League history, when Mikel Arteta introduced him towards the end of a 3-0 win away to Brentford in the 2022/23 campaign.
Inciden🌞tally, Foden had to wait until he was 17 years, six months and 18 days before Pep Guardiola handed him his Premier League debut in a 4-1 win against Tottenham during the 2017/18 campaign.
The Manchester City star did – however – make his UEFA Champions League debut aged 17 years, five months and 24 days, a career landmark Nwaneri, who Paul Merson called a “specia꧒l” talent, is yet to experience.
However, it must be noted that Manchester City have been involved in every single UEFA Cha𝓰mpions League campaign since the 2011/12 season and often bulldoze opponents in the Group Stage, affording Guardiola several chances to field young talents like Foden was.
Arsenal No.53 can surpass Manchester City No.47 if he maintains this trajectory
Crucially, Foden w💎as 17 years, six months and 21 days old when he made his Carabao Cup debut – a competition Nwaneri already has eight appearances and three goals in at roughly the exact same age.
It was not until the Manchester City No.47 turned 18 years, three months and 28 days that he netted his first Carabao Cup goal, so in regards to this competition – which is perhaps the best way to compare the two – Nwaneri is well out in front, and on track to outdo t👍he England international.
Of course, a lot will depend on how Arsenal perform in that respect, as a difficult period under Arteta may result in fewer opportunities being afforded to you▨ng talents.