Joe Cole was very impressed by Arsenal Starlet Ethan Nwaneri after the 17-year-old shone in the 2-0 win of Saturday in Leicester City.
Nwaneri played the full 90 minutes in the King Power Stadium, where he completed more dribbles and tried more shots than any other player.
He also gave an assist for the first of the two goals of Mikel Merino.
Former Chelsea wing player Cole and ex-Arsenale defender Martin Keown were both full of praise for Nwaneri, talking about TNT sports after the last whistle.
Cole went as far as comparing Nwaneri with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.
Presenter Lynsey Hipgrave started asking the conversation by Keown and Cole: “If he is so good in 17, how good can he be?”
Keown replied: 'This young man, I thought he was huge. He comes from De Lijn so confidently. He steps in the ball, he is aggressive when he travels with it.
“He is insured that way. For such a young man he comes in and makes the right pass. His decision -making is another class. '
Cole added: 'Yes, decision -making. He is also a strong small thing. Left foot, right foot. You can't mark it because he can go both sides. '
Cole discussed images of Nwaneri's close ball control, continued: 'These touches he produces, in and around the box, small small touches … I don't want to say it, but it is just like Messi. I said it, I said it.
“I don't want to put pressure on the child's shoulders. I'm sure he would deal with it. But the touch that he makes while he receives the ball from the rear foot, seduces the defender and then a small touch of the top of the toe to bring it out of balance …
“He plays with so much confidence. He is just a nice player. '
Nwaneri became the youngest player in the Premier League history in September 2022 when he made his debut at the age of 15 and 181 days.
Since then he has collected 17 top-flight performances and scored three goals.
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