Vieira argued that Nwaneri should not be playing every three days just because Arsenal are currently stretched
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Arsenal captain, Patrick Vieira has advised Mikel Arteta not to rush Ethan Nwaneri into regular first-team action before he is ready, saying “he shouldn’t play every three days”.
Nwaneri has been tipped as the next great young talent to come out of the Gunners’ academy since making his Premier League debut at the age of 15 in 2022.
The 17-year-old scored a superb goal on Wednesday as Arsenal defeated Preston North End 3-0 in the Carabao Cup.
He has, however, made just four brief cameo appearances in the Premier League this season.
There are calls for Arteta to give Nwaneri more playing time in the Premier League this season, especially with the absence of Arsenal’s captain and playmaker, Martin Odegaard.
But Vieira, while discussing how the Arsenal academy graduate can be eased into first team action, warned the Spanish not to give in to fans’ desires.
According to the Gunners legend, he should not play every three days just because the North London club are currently stretched.
“With Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and Kai Havertz, competition is enormous,” Vieira told BettingExpert’s official website.
“He’s only 17, so we shouldn’t rush things. He has great potential, and I’m confident Mikel Arteta will gradually give him his chance.
“Just because the squad is stretched doesn’t mean Nwaneri should suddenly play every three days.” he added.
