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Michael Owen very impressed by ‘brave’ 24-year-old Arsenal player vs PSV
Michael Owen has given his verdict on Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah after watching him in action against PSV.
The former Liverpool and Manchester United striker was impressed by the way Nketiah took his goal in the first half.
So, what has Michael Owen said about Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah? Let’s take a look.
Michael Owen praises Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah vs PSV
Well, away from home in the Netherlands in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday evening.
Eddie Nketiah started the match for the Gunners. The 24-year-old striker led the line in a 4-3-3 formation.
The England international striker scored in the 42nd minute. It was a brilliant finish. He took one touch to control a pass from across the edge of the box and then fired it home.
Michael Owen was hugely impressed. The former Liverpool and Manchester United striker was following the match for TNT Sports.
Owen said about Nketiah’s goal on : “I think he doesn’t want to mark himself, so he sees space on the edge of the box.
“Unless he is going to run past him and go for the near post run, he is actually going to pull out, he doesn’t want to step forward two or three yards and mark himself, then his options are to either take a near touch, right foot touch and then a right, or come across your body on your left and hits it with your left.
“Considering he is a right-footed player, I mean, he has taken the brave man’s route, it’s a brilliant finish. I mean, this lad can finish. No question about that.”
Eddie Nketiah needs more playing time
In my view, if we are to see the best of Eddie Nketiah at Arsenal, then manager Mikel Arteta has to give him more and regular playing time.
I do not think that Nketiah will be a star for Arsenal by being a bit-part player. He needs to be given a consistent run in the team and played to his strength. After all, he is impressing in training.
I know that is not possible when Gabriel Jesus is fit. After all, the Brazil international striker is the main number 9 for Arsenal.
Arteta is never going to pick Nketiah over Jesus, unless, of course, it is a match like the one against PSV where nothing much was at stake. The former Manchester City striker is key to how the Gunners attack.
Nketiah, though, has done relatively well this season, especially when you consider that he is not guaranteed a place in the starting lineup.
The Arsenal no. 14 has made nine starts and six substitute appearances in the Premier League this season. The 24-year-old has scored five goals in those games.