Jack Wilshere has heaped praise on Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri, claiming that one of his most impressive attributes has barely been showcased to supporters. The Hale End graduate has already made 43 appearances for the first team, scoring nine goals, but according to the former Arsenal midfielder, the teenager’s dribbling is the next part of his game that could explode under Mikel Arteta.
Nwaneri, 18, has caught the eye when drifting in from wide positions onto his favoured left foot. Yet Wilshere, who made 197 appearances for the Gunners and now works closely with Arsenal’s youth setup, insists that the England U21 international has another level to reach. Speaking on talkSPORT, Wilshere described him as a “magic” player who is beginning to understand Arteta’s tactical demands.
Wilshere: Fans have not seen Nwaneri’s dribbling yet
The ex-England midfielder highlighted Nwaneri’s ability to glide past opponents as something Arsenal fans will soon witness on a regular basis.
“One thing that – and I think this takes longer for any young player when they get into the team – that we haven’t seen yet that much… his dribbling ability. He can get at players, he can beat players. So yeah, I’d like to see him centrally at some point.” — Jack Wilshere on talkSPORT
Wilshere added that while Nwaneri took time to adapt to Arteta’s expectations both in and out of possession, he is now showing the creativity and vision to become a regular starter in the near future.
Why Arsenal are shifting Nwaneri centrally
Nwaneri has been deployed in a variety of positions during his young career, but the numbers clearly show where he is most effective.
| Position | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attacking Midfield | 47 | 20 | 7 |
| Right Winger | 21 | 5 | 2 |
| Striker | 8 | 10 | 2 |
| Left Winger | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Central Midfield | 1 | 0 | 0 |
source: Transfermarkt, 4 October 2025
According to journalist James McNicholas on the Arsecast podcast, Arsenal decided last season to prioritise Nwaneri’s development in central areas. The club felt he was running out of ideas on the right wing, with defenders becoming wise to his movements, and believed his creativity and dribbling would flourish as a No. 10.
That plan has already taken shape this season. Nwaneri’s four appearances so far have all come centrally, while Arsenal strengthened their wing options with the signing of Noni Madueke.
Analyst Verdict: A star in the making
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Arsenal are handling Nwaneri’s progression carefully and correctly. “Young players often get shunted wide to gain experience, but Nwaneri’s real gifts — vision, dribbling, and balance — belong in central areas. If Arsenal can protect him while he grows, he could become one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking midfielders within two seasons.”
William added: “Wilshere’s comments are a reminder that Arsenal fans haven’t seen the full package yet. His ceiling is enormous.”
Key Insights
- Jack Wilshere says Ethan Nwaneri’s dribbling ability is a hidden strength.
- Nwaneri has made 43 senior appearances for Arsenal, scoring nine goals.
- Stats show his best position is attacking midfield (20 goals, 7 assists in 47 games).
- Arsenal shifted his development centrally after signing Noni Madueke for the wing.
- Wilshere believes the 18-year-old is only scratching the surface of his potential.
What’s Next for Nwaneri?
Arsenal face West Ham United and Fulham in the Premier League before returning to Champions League duty. Nwaneri may have to bide his time behind Martin Ødegaard, but Arteta has shown he trusts the teenager in cup competitions and late-game situations.
As the season progresses, opportunities in central roles should increase, giving Arsenal fans a glimpse of the dribbling quality Wilshere insists they have yet to see. If Nwaneri delivers, the excitement around Hale End’s latest prodigy will only grow louder.
👉 Do you agree with Wilshere — will Ethan Nwaneri’s dribbling make him Arsenal’s next superstar?
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