‘Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri behind-scenes Arsenal update emerges’
Arsenal have been forced to start Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri after injuries to key-players and there is a new behind-the-scenes update about the two wingers, reports The Mirror.
Kai Havertz has been ruled out injured following a hamstring tear, and the German is the latest on a growing list of missing players for Mikel Arteta.
With Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus facing an extended period side-lined with fitness issues, the Spanish manager has been forced to rely on his reserve players.
Sterling has struggled since joining on loan from rivals Chelsea, and according to The Mirror, the former Man City winger has been a major backer of youngster Nwaneri, despite John Cross admitting the senior man’s confidence is currently at “rock bottom”.
However he is said to be well-liked within Arsenal, and Sterling is appreciated for his good influence on young players. The 30-year-old has a rapport with Saka, and Nwaneri looks up to him.
Nwaneri put in a player-of-the-match Arsenal performance against Leicester, and has enjoyed a breakout season for the Gunners.
On the training ground, the youngster has been so good in training, that senior players have stood back, admired, and even applauded the England U19 international.
No-one has reportedly encouraged Nwaneri more than Sterling, a player who has previously highlighted issues for young black players.
Raheem Sterling can mentor Ethan Nwaneri to greatness despite Arsenal struggles
Football Insider Verdict
Sterling has been a Premier League starter since the 2012/13 season, and has been unbelievably consistent, whilst constantly adapting his game to suit his team’s needs.
Starting as a right-winger for Liverpool, he was brought to City by Manuel Pellegrini, but under Pep Guardiola, Sterling showed his talents as the Spaniard built his side around him as a left-winger.
With teams dropping deeper to avoid leaving fullbacks isolated against the winger, due to his wizardry with the ball at his feet, Guardiola made a tactical shift.
In the 2019/20 season, Sterling was encouraged to move inside with the ball, looking for shooting options rather than assisting his striker, City were rewarded with 20 Premier League goals, and while they missed out on the league title, the Citizens scored an astonishing 102 goals.
That adaptability has already been shown by Nwaneri, with the youngster coming through the academy as an attacking midfielder, but he now looks like a natural on the right-wing.
Despite some Arsenal fans calling for Sterling to never start again for the club, the former City winger can still be a valuable member to the Gunners squad, offering mentorship to the young stars.
What Bukayo Saka’s return from injury will mean for Ethan Nwaneri at Arsenal
Saka suffered a hamstring tear that required surgery against Crystal Palace on 21 December, and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the remainder of the season.
Nwaneri has shown himself to be an incredibly capable understudy, but when the England international returns, Arteta will be forced to find a solution that fits bother players into the same side.
One option could be to test the 17-year-old as a left-winger, with neither Martinelli, Sterling or Leandro Trossard impressing on the left hand side this season.
However, Nwaneri is more likely to thrive in a midfield pairing with Martin Odegaard, allowing the youngster to get more touches of the ball in the middle of the park, where he is at his most dangerous.