Gabriel Jesus Heaps Praise on Arsenal’s Young Star Ethan Nwaneri After Stunning Carabao Cup Performance
Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal’s Brazilian forward, knows a thing or two about rising stars, having seen the likes of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer blossom at Manchester City. So, it’s no surprise he’s got high hopes for Arsenal’s teenage sensation, Ethan Nwaneri, who recently wowed fans with a jaw-dropping goal against Preston, sealing Arsenal’s place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Reflecting on his time at City, Jesus said, “I have been with some special youngsters, like you say Phil and with Cole [Palmer] as well and also [James] McAtee at City, he is very good.” Now, watching Nwaneri light up the pitch at just 17, Jesus can see a similar spark. “When I see someone young with this quality, I am happy… if he needs something from me, personally, I am here to help him because I am 27… I have been in this game for a few years.”
It’s not just talk. Nwaneri, with a standout performance as Arsenal downed Preston, is proving his potential with every outing. His recent goal and man-of-the-match performance is only the latest in a string of impressive displays, following his Premier League appearances and a two-goal haul against Bolton in the previous Carabao Cup round.
But Jesus knows that talent alone doesn’t pave the path to stardom. “I saw people like Phil Foden waiting for his chance and then now, look at Phil. He is one of the best players in the world,” Jesus noted. He offered advice for Nwaneri’s journey, saying, “I wish, I really wish, Ethan can keep his toes on the grass, work, and then it’s a question of time for him to shine.”
For Jesus himself, it was a milestone night. He found the net against Preston—his first goal since January—after a challenging season marred by injuries and limited playing time, especially with Kai Havertz often favored in Arsenal’s attack. The Brazilian has started just one Premier League game so far this season and two in European competition, making his time on the field scarce.
Addressing the wait to score, Jesus said, “When people say since January [about scoring], it looks like it’s a long, long time… But also people need to understand that I am starting less, I am playing less. I am not putting pressure [on the manager]… I am just saying the truth.” He added, “I also understand that I am the type of player, with my quality, that has to be there and score more. I want to and I am working really hard to get there.”
As Arsenal marches forward, the spotlight is firmly on Ethan Nwaneri, with the encouragement of veterans like Gabriel Jesus only fueling his ambitions. For Arsenal fans, the future looks bright with a new star rising in their midst.
