The Hale End has produced a fair few exciting talents over the past few years.
Some have already made their way to the Premier League, while others are just starting to prove they deserve a place in the top tier.
The most prominent example of Arsenal’s successful work at the academy level is Bukayo Saka.
The 23-year-old has earned praise from many by demonstrating maturity, consistency, intelligence, and versatility at both club and international levels.
A few other youngsters are following in his footsteps.
Mikel Arteta has demonstrated his ongoing support for academy players by giving them first-team experience.
Now, it’s time for Ethan Nwaneri.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has already played 15 games for the Gunners this season, scoring four times despite having limited minutes.
He has taken every opportunity given by the manager and has demonstrated his ability to adapt, as well as his attacking flair, on several occasions.
The youngster has mainly played as a right central midfielder and right winger, and many have questioned whether he can find a place in the starting XI.
It is too early to draw conclusions, but in our scout report, we use tactical analysis to examine Ethan Nwaneri style of play.
We explain how he can be utilised to his full potential and where he fits into Arsenal tactics.
Ethan Nwaneri Versatility & Intelligent Movement
Although Nwaneri’s playing time has been limited, he’s excelled in some areas and shown potential for development.
His most suitable playing position has yet to be determined, although some details clearly indicate where he feels most comfortable.
The player’s versatility makes him suitable for multiple team setups.
He can play in different positions, including midfield and attack, as long as his role involves creating goal-scoring opportunities.
He can set up his teammates in key positions, but his best attribute is his ability to find pockets and exploit space, making him a direct threat to the goal.
He would operate on the right in a right central midfield position or as a right winger.
Either way, Nwaneri would focus on exploiting the half-spaces and creating attacking opportunities from these areas.
The above goalscoring situation from the game against Nottingham Forest demonstrates his vision and agility.
He spread out to Raheem Sterling on the flank so he could move to the box.


![Manchester City Vs Brighton [1–1] – Premier League 2025/2026: Why Pep Guardiola Tactics Dominated But Failed To Win – Tactical Analysis 6 Man City Vs Brighton 20252026](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Man-City-Vs-Brighton-20252026-350x250.png)
![Burnley Vs Manchester United [2–2] – Premier League 2025/2026: The First Steps Of The Post-Rúben Amorim Era – Tactical Analysis 7 Burnley Vs Manchester United [2–2] – Premier League 2025/2026: The Red Devils New Ideas And Potential Tactical Changes – Tactical Analysis](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Burnley-2-2-Manchester-United-tactical-analysis-350x250.png)

![Bournemouth Vs Tottenham Hotspur [3–2] – Premier League 2025/2026: Andoni Iraola Plan Exposes Spurs Problems – Tactical Analysis 9 Bournemouth Vs Spurs 20252026](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Bournemouth-Vs-Spurs-20252026-350x250.png)
