By SpringNewsNG

Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium may have been sealed by Mikel Merino’s late heroics, but it was 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri who stole the headlines with a mesmerizing performance that had pundits and fans alike drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi.

A Star in the Making

From the first whistle, Nwaneri was Arsenal’s brightest spark in a game where the Gunners struggled to break down a resilient Leicester defense. His dribbling, close control, and fearless attacking play tormented the Foxes, with former England international Joe Cole even likening his style to the legendary Messi.

“These little touches he produces in and around the box, I don’t even want to say it, but it’s like Messi. I’ve said it,” Cole admitted on TNT Sports, though he quickly added that he did not want to place undue pressure on the teenager.

A Performance to Remember

Despite Arsenal’s early struggles in the final third, Nwaneri remained a constant threat, carrying the ball with confidence and driving at defenders. His dazzling footwork saw him complete six of his seven dribbles, while he also won an astonishing 12 out of 15 duels, including both aerial contests.

The England Under-19 star came closest to breaking the deadlock twice in the first half—one curling strike that narrowly missed the target and another that rattled the woodwork. His fearlessness in front of goal, particularly his willingness to shoot with his weaker right foot, showed maturity beyond his years.

When the breakthrough finally arrived in the 80th minute, it was Nwaneri’s pinpoint cross that set up Merino’s header, marking his fourth Premier League goal contribution—putting him in elite company alongside Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, and Cesc Fabregas for the most goal involvements before turning 18.

High Praise from Arsenal Camp

After the match, goalscorer Merino heaped praise on his young teammate. “He is an amazing player. Every time I do an interview, you guys ask me about him,” he said with a smile.

Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber told BBC’s Match of the Day: “You almost forget they are so young. Ethan and Myles [Lewis-Skelly] are from a different level. The sky is the limit for them.”

Even Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who has been cautious in his handling of young talents, could not hide his admiration. “Every time he was on the ball, he made things happen. He had another level of threat than the rest of the team,” Arteta stated.

A Selection Headache for Arteta?

With Bukayo Saka sidelined, Nwaneri has stepped up impressively, and his recent form raises an interesting dilemma for Arteta. Can Saka walk straight back into the team once fit, or has Nwaneri done enough to stake his claim as a regular starter?

One thing is certain—Arsenal have unearthed another gem, and if Nwaneri continues on this trajectory, the comparisons to Messi may not be as far-fetched as they seem.